Boeing Gift Allows New Aerospace Degree Program To Take Flight
OSU collaborates with Rose State College to develop curriculum for new aerospace degree

STILLWATER, OK – The Oklahoma State University [OSU] Foundation announced a $5,000 gift today from Boeing for the purchase of media equipment to facilitate instruction for a new educational aerospace logistics option within the OSU College of Education.  The gift will provide educational support to meet the needs of the state’s aerospace industry.

          The gift will enable Midwest City, Oklahoma-based Rose State College students to engage in coursework for an aerospace logistics degree awarded through OSU’s College of Education.  The equipment will be purchased this summer with class instruction beginning in the fall semester.

“The Boeing Company is very interested in stimulating the growth of higher education opportunities in Oklahoma, especially in aerospace education,” said Ben Robinson, director for Boeing Support Systems in Oklahoma City.  “This is certainly a great opportunity to build on our aerospace logistics industry.”

An advisory group of aerospace industry executives from Boeing, Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission and other industry leaders collaborated with OSU and Rose State College to identify deficiencies and address specific needs within the industry.  As a result, OSU is revising the undergraduate and graduate degree plans to meet the needs of the state’s aerospace industry, which is reflected in the new curriculum.

          “Boeing has not only supplied executive leadership but has provided funding in the form of this gift to purchase classroom equipment vital to student learning,” said Mary Kutz, associate professor and graduate coordinator in aerospace education at OSU.  “The impact of the academic partnership agreement and industry support will not only meet Oklahoma aerospace requirements, but will expand the scope of the program to include access by a growing worldwide industry through use of state-of-the-art distance learning.”

          Upon completion of the approved curriculum, students will be awarded an aerospace logistics option within the OSU bachelor of science degree in aerospace administration and operations.

          The Oklahoma State University Foundation serves as the private fundraising organization for OSU, as designated by the OSU Regents.  Its mission is to unite donor and university passions and priorities to achieve excellence.

For more information on the OSU Foundation, log on to our Web site at www.osugiving.com or call 405.385.5100.