Aviation Sciences Program at ECSU Receives $15,000 from Republic Airways

By Leha Byrd

The Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) Foundation received a gift from Republic Airways, one of the largest regional airlines in the U.S. The $15,000 contribution will be used to support scholarships and expenses, including check ride and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) examination costs for students in the Aviation Sciences program.

“ECSU Aviation is thrilled to receive this contribution to attract and support more students by reducing cost barriers,” said Kuldeep Rawat, Ph.D., dean of the School of Science, Aviation, Health, and Technology. “Because of this generous contribution from Republic Airways, ECSU continues in its mission to produce diverse and dedicated aviation professionals.”

ECSU offers the only four-year Aviation Science degree program in North Carolina with concentrations in flight education, aviation management, and professional aeronautics. In addition, ECSU’s flight training is approved by the FAA for Restricted Airline Pilot (R-ATP) authorization, which allows students to qualify as an airline pilot with 1,000 hours compared to the 1,500 hours requirement.

On hand for the check presentation on campus were Rawat, ECSU Chairperson for the Department of Aviation and Emergency Management, Kevin Kupietz, Ph.D., ECSU Chancellor Karrie G. Dixon, Vice Chancellor and Executive Director, ECSU Foundation, Gary Brown, Ph.D., Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Farrah Ward, Ph.D., and Senior Manager of Education Programs and Diversity Partnerships at Republic Airways, Darrell Morton.

“We are thrilled to partner with Elizabeth City State University as we seek to expand the pool of qualified, trained pilots and aviation science professionals and inspire the next generation to consider careers in aviation, especially with Republic Airways,” Morton said.

Dixon expressed delight in the partnership, as well.

“ECSU is proud of its aviation science degree program, and thanks to the generosity of Republic Airways, we’re able to provide additional support and resources to our aviation students to be the next generation of pilots,” she said. “We’re diversifying the workforce, giving our students a bright, stable economic future, and supporting the aviation industry and our state all at the same time.”