Southeastern Oklahoma State University announced the rebranding of its Aviation Sciences Institute as the Aerospace Sciences Institute (ASI). The rebranding announcement was made as part of the ASI’s annual Alumni Fish Fry Weekend.
Southeastern’s Aerospace Sciences Institute – a unit of the John Massey School of Business – has spent the last several years upgrading its program with highly technical aircraft and simulators and has added several new programs to its nationally recognized Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) accredited Professional Pilot program.
While the ASI has a history of nearly 60 years of aviation education, the rebranding comes with the ASI’s addition of new programming in areas of un-manned aircraft (UAS/AAM) and aircraft dispatching.
“The Southeastern Aerospace program is not just about traditional aviation anymore,” said ASI director Michael Gaffney. “A student of the Southeastern Aerospace Sciences Institute receives an educational experience which allows them to be placed in career fields all over the aerospace industry in Oklahoma, Texas, and beyond. Our program has evolved to be one of the top-rated four-year aviation programs in the country and with the addition of highly technical training equipment and the addition of aircraft dispatching and drone programs to the Aviation Management degree program, it is only fitting to rebrand as an Aerospace Institute.”
This announcement comes on the heels of a recently awarded Economic Development Administration grant to transform the Southeastern aviation building at Durant Regional Airport into an Aerospace Resource Center to serve in the development and deployment of essential aerospace technology graduates.
“Southeastern has a legacy of providing one of the most comprehensive and student-friendly aviation programs in our state and region, with our eyes always looking toward the future,” Southeastern President Dr. Thomas W. Newsom said. “The ASI’s rebranding is a public reminder that these fields will always be future-facing and we will continue to develop programs which help our students succeed as they enter the workforce of ever-evolving industries related to aerospace.”
About Southeastern
Founded in 1909, Southeastern Oklahoma State University provides an environment of academic excellence that enables students to reach their highest potential. By having personal access to excellent teaching, challenging academic programs, and extracurricular experiences, students will develop skills and habits that promote values for career preparation, responsible citizenship, and lifelong learning. Our over 5,500 students include 50% first-generation students and 28% students of Native American descent, with 82% receiving financial aid. Southeastern ranks amongst the most affordable schools in the region thanks to out-of-state tuition waivers and is proud of its exceptional affordable accredited MBA program, stellar aerospace and teacher education programs, and outstanding national ranking in graduating Native American students.
