Local officials learn about SAU Tech aviation program
The new chancellor of Southern Arkansas University Tech toured the school’s Airframe building at the Texarkana Regional Airport Thursday along with area community leaders to learn more SAU Tech’s aviation programs.
Chancellor Dr. Jason Morrison, Texarkana, Ark.,
Mayor Ruth Penney Bell and Texarkana, Texas Mayor Bob Bruggeman, along with a council members Josh Davis and Terri Peavy walked through the facility with SAU Tech Aviation Program Coordinator Bill Archer. The building includes classrooms and houses several types of aircraft and engines donated to the program, which began in 2002.
Archer said they don’t have as many students in the program as in years past, and they are looking to increase enrollment in both the dual credit offerings at area high schools and also within the community.
“We think there’s a lot of people who don’t have knowledge of the program,” he said. SAU Tech’s program is certified by the Federal Aviation Administration and offers Airframe and Power Plant Maintenance certificates, plus an associate’s degree in applied science in Aviation Maintenance Technology.
Morrison, who’s been chancellor just over two months said he considered the facility to be amazing.
“It’s a gem,” he said. “Right now, it seems to be a hidden gem that people don’t know.”
Currently, the program serves 55 dual-credit high school students from Texas High, LibertyEylau, Pleasant Grove, Arkansas High, Hope, Ashdown and Fouke. When these students graduate from high school, they will have FAA credit hours and can seamlessly transition into the college’s certificate programs, which can be completed in three semesters.
“I always recommend students try to go for that associate’s degree to give them a leg up,” Archer said. “It gives them more opportunity for advancement.”
Students who are under the age of 21 when they begin the program are also eligible to receive a free set of tools valued at $4,000 upon completion of the Airframe and Power Plant certificate.
“This puts them in their hands when they’re ready to work,” Archer said.
Bruggeman said the Airframe program is a vital part of the community, as there is a shortage of these types of mechanics in the area. He added that the jobs paid very well, at a minimum of $60,000 per year.
“We want to do everything we can do to promote this program in high schools as well as the in community,” he said. “I will be in contact with school districts on Texas side and do what I can to promote these programs internally through school districts and also externally.”
For more information on SAU Tech’s aviation program, contact Paula Doss at 870-574-4712 or by email at pdoss@sautech.edu or go to sautech.edu.