Middle Georgia State University AMST Department

06/18/2026

06/16/2026

The AVMT Department would like to welcome our newest family member, Cara Blair Sheppard. This beautiful baby girl is the daughter of our very own Kayla and her husband Zac Sheppard. Both mother and daughter are doing great. Congratulations.

06/05/2026

RIP Dave.

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our friend and former colleague, Dave Fiji. Dave’s professionalism, dedication to his students, and friendship left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be remembered for his kindness, character, and the positive influence he had on those around him. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him throughout this difficult time.

06/04/2026

Thank you Kevin for your generosity. Your gift will help future generations achieve their dreams of becoming aircraft mechanics.

We’re honored to celebrate a remarkable legacy in aviation and education ✈️💜

At the May Foundation Board Meeting, Dr. Christopher Blake presented the inaugural Knights Legacy Society Award to Kevin Howell Cowart, recognizing his generous planned gift and the lasting impact he is creating.

Kevin’s passion for aviation runs deep. Inspired by his parents and brother—each with careers in the airline industry—he has built his own distinguished path, with more than three decades in aviation maintenance, including global assignments and leadership roles with Delta TechOps.

Through the creation of the Kevin Howell Cowart Aviation Maintenance Career Endowment, Kevin is honoring his family’s influence while investing in the future.

This endowment will provide vital support to students in Middle Georgia State University’s Aviation Maintenance Technology program—helping ensure the next generation of aviation professionals is ready to keep the world moving.

Join us in thanking Kevin for his extraordinary commitment and legacy!

06/03/2026

"Middle Georgia State University was among the first ... to join NASA’s ULI, contributing to a project aimed at making future civilian vertical‑lift aircraft safer and more affordable. Their School of Aviation provided key technical support by performing structural repairs, gathering data, and studying how traditional repair methods apply to next‑generation air mobility vehicles. Through this work, the university highlighted the vital role community colleges play in hands‑on aerospace research and in developing a skilled aviation workforce."

👉 https://www.nasa.gov/feature/uli-10-years-of-impact/

05/24/2026

05/21/2026

"Steiper’s youngest son, Kevin, decided to get an A&P license from Middle Georgia State University. He first joined the airline as a contractor, worked his way to an aircraft support mechanic position and now, in his fourth year with Delta, he is a line maintenance technician."

https://aviationweek.com/mro/workforce-training/father-inspires-sons-pursue-mro-careers-delta-air-lines

05/20/2026

The FAA announced on Monday, May 18, that it is investing $26 million to develop the next generation of aviation professionals. The investment is nearly double the $13.5 million the agency awarded last year, and will strengthen the workforce pipeline for the entire US aerospace industry, from mechanics and technicians to pilots and drone operators.

According to the announcement, the FAA's investment will go toward:

Aviation training programs to equip future pilots with technical skills.
Apprenticeships and internships that give new pilots hands-on experience.
Proactive student outreach to boost recruitment numbers.
Training future pilots using state-of-the-art tools like simulators.

"More Americans are taking to the skies and demand for skilled aviation workers continues to grow," FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said. "These new funding opportunities support education and training programs that help build a strong pipeline of talent and invest in the future of America's aviation workforce."

The funding is split between two programs. The Aircraft Pilots Workforce Development Grants fund efforts to educate and recruit students to become aircraft pilots or drone operators. The Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers Workforce Development Grants support initiatives focused on educating and recruiting future aviation mechanics and maintenance technicians.

Eligible applicants include schools, aviation organizations, aviation-related nonprofits, air carriers, labor groups, and state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments.

The funding comes at a critical time for US aviation. The country is dealing with a long-running shortage of pilots, certified aircraft mechanics, and air traffic controllers, all of which have been compounded by an aging workforce, rising travel demand, and pandemic-era retirements.

Applicants are encouraged to submit projects as soon as possible. The deadline is June 18, 2026.

05/19/2026

Family time for one of our recent graduates.

05/19/2026

More graduates.