MTSU aerospace hosts alumni, supporters at EAA AirVenture in Wisconsin [+VIDEO]

OSHKOSH, Wis. — Middle Tennessee State University’s Department of Aerospace welcomed more than 100 alumni and supporters at EAA AirVenture in Wisconsin who came to learn more about the program’s plans to build a new $62-million flight training campus to accommodate its growth.

President Sidney A. McPhee, along with Provost Mark Byrnes, College of Basic and Applied Sciences Dean Greg Van Patten and aerospace Chair Chaminda Prelis, also met Wednesday, July 27, with a delegation from Diamond Aircraft Industries, manufacturer of the 30-plus DA-40 single-engine training aircraft in MTSU’s training fleet.

The university recently purchased 10 more aircraft from Diamond.

A group of MTSU Aerospace alumni and supporters show their True Blue pride as they enjoy a barbeque reception hosted by the university Wednesday, July 27, at its large tent at the 2022 EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wis. (MTSU photo by Andrew Oppmann) — A group of MTSU aerospace alumni and supporters show their True Blue pride as they enjoy a barbecue reception hosted by the university Wednesday, July 27, at its large tent at the 2022 EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wis. (MTSU photo by Andrew Oppmann)

EAA, based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, is the world’s largest gathering of aviation enthusiasts. The massive annual weeklong event attracts more that 10,000 aircraft and drew more than 600,000 visitors last year.

McPhee and the university delegation reconnected with alumni Wednesday, July 27, during a barbecue reception at MTSU’s large tent behind the EAA Control Tower that also features one of the Department of Aerospace’s DA-40 Diamond training aircraft.

“I want you to know that we’ll continue to make you proud,” McPhee told the crowd, which included longtime aerospace supporter and alumnus Donald McDonald. “And I want you to carry the True Blue flag and always remain True Blue for your university, MTSU.”

MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee, right, chats with alumnus and longtime Aerospace Department support Donald McDonald on Wednesday, July 27, during a barbeque reception outside MTSU’s large tent at the 2022 EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wis. (MTSU photo by Andrew Oppmann) — MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee, right, chats with alumnus and longtime Department of Aerospace supporter Donald McDonald on Wednesday, July 27, during a barbecue reception outside MTSU’s large tent at the 2022 EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wis. (MTSU photo by Andrew Oppmann)

Watch a brief video recap from the event:

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and the Tennessee General Assembly earlier this year approved the allocation of $62 million to MTSU for a state-of-the-art facility to accommodate the aerospace program’s current and expected growth.

MTSU officials met this week with employers, including Delta, FedEx, Endeavor Air and Republic Airlines while also visiting MTSU aerospace industry partners, including Piper Aircraft and Garman flight navigation systems.

“Our strong and visible presence at the world’s largest aviation event sends a loud and clear message to our alumni, supporters and prospective students,” said Byrnes. “We are a presence at Oshkosh.”

McPhee also connected with Brig. Gen. Regena Aye, vice commander of the Civil Air Patrol, the volunteer civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force and a partner with MTSU aerospace since 2014.

MTSU’s team arrived Sunday and will remain in Oshkosh through the weekend.

— Andrew Oppmann (Andrew.Oppmann@mtsu.edu)