Kansas State University

home > office of the dean

AVIATION DIVERSITY PROJECT

“Developing Aviation Leaders Today”

Purpose:
The goal of the aviation diversity initiative is to increase the numbers of underrepresented minority professional pilots in the aviation industry. Included in this initiative are summer flight training opportunities for Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) students at the nation’s historically black universities and a unique partnership between Kansas State and Tuskegee Universities, both prominent land grant institutions, that will honor the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen and the rich history of Tuskegee University by Kansas State University assistance in the development of an Aviation Science and Aerotechnology Program at Tuskegee University. This initiative presents extraordinary opportunities for the military and civil aviation industries to recruit, train and invest in African-American, Hispanic, Asian and Native-American students who will become leaders in the challenging and rewarding field of aviation.

Proven Flight Training:
The Aviation Department completed a successful proof of concept for the initiative in the summer of 2001, with students undertaking flight training and classroom instruction on the K-State Salina campus leading to completion of their private pilots license. In the summer of 2002, these students returned to take the next step, completing their instrument pilot license.

Air Force ROTC Training:
The program initiative for Air Force ROTC will provide basic flight training to cadets as a part of their undergraduate academic training. This will enhance the competitiveness of students of color for selection to the flying specialties. Upon graduation, newly commissioned minority officers who are designated for flight training will be equipped for successful advancement through flight training; thereby reducing military resources lost to training failures.

Tuskegee University Partnership Background:
The long-standing relationship between Tuskegee University (TU) and Kansas State University (KSU) dates back to 1908 when TU President Booker T. Washington and KSU President E.R. Nichols corresponded to attract Tuskegee students to take courses in the Agricultural College at KSU. This relationship has nurtured approximately 15 graduates who are current and past academic administrators, deans, department heads, faculty and staff at Tuskegee University with degrees at the graduate and undergraduate levels from KSU.

Tuskegee University and Kansas State University have committed to work in partnership to train multicultural students to be professional pilots in the tradition of the Tuskegee Airmen. This program is designed to prepare diverse, well-educated future leaders for the military and airline industry. The WWII Tuskegee Airmen coupled their solid educational background with the opportunity and commitment to fly and became leaders in government, business, and the aviation community. The record of the airmen stands today as being unsurpassed.

Through the Tuskegee partnership, TU students could commit to three summers at K-State Salina and one additional course for each of six semesters to receive dual degrees: a B.S. in Airway Science Professional Pilot from KSU and a B.S. in Aerospace Science Engineering or similar program from TU. Tuskegee University has plans to restore primary flight training at Moton Field with Kansas State University serving as a model, mentor and information development resource.

Based on the needs of Kansas State and Tuskegee Universities, there is an opportunity to partner the assets and strengths of both universities and work together to advocate and train diverse students as pilots and leaders in aviation. This is a winning combination.

Aviation Diversity Initiative Funding:
However, these programs can only be viable if funding is available. It is clear that government and private institutions will be needed as partners in this critical undertaking by providing the necessary funding. This initiative provides an opportunity to leverage the strength and talents of government and industry in developing today’s professional pilot and tomorrow’s dynamic aviation leaders. With the availability of funding by the summer of 2003, the program could be fully operational with 20-40 students participating.

The Value of Partnership:
The partnership has the potential to be a great academic program addressing many of the key issues facing our nation at this time, specifically: the need for pilots who have obtained the best training and education available at nationally ranked and internationally known institutions of higher education. Additionally, all these students will obtain the ideals of cultural diversity and the development of a greater understanding and appreciation of the strengths acquired through differences.

In Conclusion:
The K-State Salina campus has made a tremendous amount of progress in its quest to become a recognized state and national resource. Our vision encapsulates many areas of growth, including expanding opportunities for academic success for minorities and women seeking technology and aviation careers. Partnerships with existing institutions, such as Tuskegee University, can provide avenues for expanded academic opportunities coupled with increased diversity. Our vision ensures an academic environment that not only supports success, but also encourages excellence.

Many factors within the aviation industry have placed extensive pressure on academic institutions such as K-State Salina to meet the demand for highly qualified pilots and aviation maintenance technicians. These critical near-term personnel shortages are expected to increase and continue into the next decade. K-State Salina has answered this need with its outstanding professional aviation programs.

We stand ready to accept the challenge to prepare qualified underrepresented minority professionals for the aviation industry.