Courtesy of Elizabeth City State University
Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) is the newest university selected as a partner for Delta Air Lines’ Propel Program’s Collegiate Pilot Career Path, a new initiative for college aviation students. The partnership announcement was made during a formal launch held on ECSU’s campus today, February 16, 2023.
Launched in 2018 as the first known pilot pathway program offered by a U.S. global carrier, Propel is one of Delta’s workforce development initiatives created to identify, select and develop the next generation of pilots. With the addition of ECSU, Delta partners with 16 postsecondary institutions across the U.S. to offer students a defined, accelerated path to becoming a Delta pilot. Upon selection to the program, students receive a conditional job offer for a pilot position at Delta.
“ECSU’s partnership with Delta Air Lines will provide a pipeline for Delta to recruit great talent to join their team; this is a win-win situation,” said Dr. Karrie G. Dixon, chancellor of ECSU. “The presence of Delta Air Lines today is an indicator that we are soaring high. As Chancellor, I affirm that we will do our part to ensure the success of this program. We will offer ‘excellence as the standard.’”
Eric Hendrick, Delta’s Director of Pilot Outreach, stated, “Investing in ECSU and other collegiate programs that create greater representation within the aviation industry is a key component of Delta’s workforce diversity strategy. And by creating these long-lasting relationships in the communities we serve, Delta also ensures the pipeline of top-notch pilots remains strong for years to come.”
ECSU offers the only four-year Aviation Science and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) degree programs in North Carolina. The Aviation Science program’s five areas of specialization, include: Flight Education; Aviation Management; Avionics; Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Professional Aeronautics. Enrollment in the program totals more than 180 students, with a nearly 60 percent minority student population. Further, ECSU is one of 40 institution worldwide to offer an aviation degree program accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABInternational).
