OSHKOSH, Wis. — Middle Tennessee State University’s Department of Aerospace brought True Blue back to Wisconsin for the 2024 EAA AirVenture, connecting with alumni and industry partners during the world’s largest gathering of aviation enthusiasts.

Provost Mark Byrnes led a team of Aerospace students and flight instructors from the College of Basic and Applied Sciences to represent the university at the massive annual weeklong event, projected to attract more than 600,000 people and 10,000-plus aircraft.

MTSU’s team arrived at the grounds in Oshkosh on Friday, July 19, to set up the Aerospace Department’s display near the EAA Control Tower, dubbed the world’s busiest during the event. The team was set to depart Oshkosh on Monday, July 29.

“As a premier aviation training university, it’s important that MTSU be not only present but active at the world’s greatest aviation celebration,” Byrnes said. “EAA gives us the opportunity not only to connect with industry leaders, but also our many alums.”

Watch a video from the event featuring MTSU staff, students and faculty:

MTSU officials met with employers of aerospace graduates, including Delta, Southwest, FedEx, Endeavor Air and Republic Airlines. They also huddled with executives from manufacturers Diamond, Piper and Cirrus, all of whom currently are producing new aircraft for the Aerospace training fleet.

Discussions with Delta and Southwest centered on MTSU Aerospace’s partnerships to connect its students with their pilot recruitment and training programs, Delta Propel and Southwest Destination 225.

“Coming to EAA AirVenture has been a fantastic opportunity to celebrate aviation, meet other aerospace professionals and represent MTSU,” said Korey King, a May graduate of MTSU’s professional pilot program who is now assistant flight training manager. “The people I’ve met, and the experiences I’ve had, show how aviation can bring people together.”

This year marks the sixth year since MTSU stepped up its presence at AirVenture, at the suggestion of prominent alumnus Donald McDonald. The university welcomed alumni and industry partners for a BBQ dinner at its tent later Wednesday.

At the dinner, Byrnes recognized one of Aerospace’s distinguished graduates, Air Force Col. Aaron Reid, commander of Civil Air Patrol-U.S. Air Force. Reid is tasked with ensuring CAP, the Air Force’s volunteer civilian auxiliary, is organized, trained and equipped to fulfill Air Force-assigned missions.

Reid was a cadet in CAP’s Sumner County Cadet Squadron before attending MTSU, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in aerospace maintenance in 2002. 

A senior pilot with over 1,700 hours in the T-37, T-38, and F-15E, Reid flew combat missions in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

MTSU and CAP have been partners in aerospace education since 2014.

“Colonel Reid, like so many of our Aerospace graduates, is a role model to our students, showing how his successful career began with his degree from MTSU,” Byrnes said.

That’s a message Alyssa Smith, who graduated in May and now works as a flight instructor and ambassador for the program, is sharing with others.

“Having the opportunity to represent MTSU at Oshkosh has been an amazing and fulfilling experience,” Smith said. “Being able to give guidance and advice to potential students, all while becoming closer to my friends from MTSU, made this AirVenture trip truly unforgettable.”

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