Fairmont State aviation program gets state money
FAIRMONT — Fairmont State University’s aviation program got a $2 million boost on Thursday as Gov. Jim Justice came to FSU’s Feaster Center to preside over a check-presentation ceremony.
Justice — with Babydog, of course — took to the basketball court floor, joined by FSU leaders, local legislators and other dignitaries before the tip-off of the Falcons’ game against Carlow University.
The giant check represented a $2 million grant from the state Economic Development Authority to expand FSU’s bachelor of science in aviation administration program.
Perched on his stool, with Babydog seated in a chair at his side, Justice acknowledged the context of the presentation. “It doesn’t have a whole lot to do with basketball,” he said. “But it has a whole lot to do with employment and life and goodness in this great state.”
Board of Governors Chair Jennifer Kinty accepted the check on FSU’s behalf. And FSU Athletics Director Greg Bamberger gave Justice a signed souvenir basketball.
FSU Chief of Staff Brian Selmeski said the program was the first FAA-approved flight program in the state.
It integrates academic coursework with extensive flight training to produce graduates are professional pilots who support West Virginia’s burgeoning aviation industry.
The money will help FSU buy two new airplane engines and three new instrument-trainer aircraft, he said. The program currently serves between 50 and 70 students and the additional aircraft will allow them to expand to 100.
FSU has 100 percent placement out of the program, Selmeski said.