Kent State Building New Aeronautics Academic Center

KENT, OH — Kent State University announced the construction of a new aeronautics academic center, which will be located at the Kent State University Airport. The school expects the facility to open in the fall.

“Our first-class Aeronautics Program is recognized nationally and beyond for its excellence,” said Kent State President Beverly Warren. “Thanks to FedEx, our physical facilities will now match the innovative and transformative education taking place for our students. We are so thankful for their shared vision and partnership.”

FedEx has pledged an additional $5 million toward the facility. Kent State officials said the facility will be named the FedEx Aeronautics Academic Center. The company has already given $1.5 million toward the construction.

The new 17,800 square foot facility will increase the number of students that can partake in the program. The facility will also provide 21st-century amenities and space for aviation students and professionals.

The FedEx Aeronautics Academic Center will include collaborative spaces for students, classrooms, briefing rooms, simulator rooms and faculty and staff offices. The building will provide space for current and additional courses and allow for growth in the program's enrollment, which has grown 55-percent since 2010.

Kent State's Aeronautics Program has the largest collegiate aircraft fleet in Ohio, a university-managed airport and a state-of-the-art Air Traffic Control Laboratory.

"There is a great deal of excitement around the new facility amongst our faculty, students and prospective students who recognize that the FedEx Aeronautics Academic Center will help facilitate a top-tier, interactive education that will further elevate the caliber of aeronautics professionals that Kent State delivers to the workforce,” said Christina Bloebaum, dean of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering at Kent State. “This facility will be the focal point of our Aeronautics Program’s future growth, and we are very appreciative of the FedEx vision to support the development of prepared, confident aeronautics graduates.”