Contact: Crystal Drake, Office of Strategic Communications
As the nation continues to face a growing demand for qualified pilots, Tuskegee University's Department of Aviation Science is building the next generation of aviation professionals. Thirteen of those future leaders were honored today for earning key Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) flight certifications and ratings – Private Pilot License, Instrument Rating, and Commercial Pilot License – as students in Tuskegee’s Aviation Science Program.
The event celebrated their extraordinary achievements and the enduring legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, culminating with each student receiving a custom leather bomber jacket adorned with replica patches representing the famed flying squadrons and units to which the Tuskegee Airmen were assigned, including the 99th, 100th, 301st, and 302nd Fighter Squadrons during World War II.
Tuskegee's Aviation Science Bachelor of Science curriculum is offered through Tuskegee’s Aerospace Science Engineering Department, is the second largest department in the College of Engineering.
Dr. Mark A. Brown, president and CEO, congratulated the students on their rare achievement – evidenced in part by a jarring statistic: of all commercial airline pilots flying today, only 4.4% are Black and of that number, 0.5% are women.
“The leather bomber jacket you receive today is not simply apparel. It is a symbol – of excellence, preparation and the history you will carry on your shoulders as you master the skies and insist on a place in the aviation industry because you are unequivocally qualified to be there.”
Dr. Brown also reflected on the evolution of flight from the Wright brothers' first powered flight to the modern aviation industry which includes a uniquely pivotal point in world history that Tuskegee University shaped.
"When America faced a critical shortage of military aviators during World War II, an experiment was launched on these very grounds," Brown said. "The Tuskegee Airmen not only proved they could fly, they helped secure victory and changed the course of history. Today, you inherit that legacy."
Dr. Brown also expressed gratitude to Alabama Senator Katie Britt, who has championed more than $12 million in federal support to Tuskegee’s program, which made it possible for each student to access their flight training at no cost.
“I want to see you in these beautiful jackets on campus,” he said, smiling as he conceded that the grueling Alabama summer heat would put that off for a while.
“Your jacket announces to everyone who sees you that, just as the Tuskegee Airmen did, you represent discipline, commitment, technical mastery, and responsibility. That is the Tuskegee Way.”
Captain Titus Sanders, former director of the Aviation Science program and newly appointed Chairman of the Board for the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP), served as master of ceremonies.
“As the first cohort of the revitalized aviation program at Tuskegee, there was no one in front of you to say ‘follow me.’ What you have accomplished is not an accident. It happened because of the dedication, long hours, and tenacity you put into this work, and we are so proud of you,” he said, sharing with the audience that every student being honored passed their tests on the first try.
But he added that now isn’t the time to rest on their laurels. Sanders challenged the students to embrace the responsibilities that come with their roles as the next generation of aviation leaders.
“You won’t change that 4.4% because you walked through the door. You will change it by turning around and bringing along someone else. Find your replacement, mentor your replacement, be the standard-bearer you have been trained to be,” he said.
Student Aviators Honored
Four students entered Tuskegee University having already earned their Private Pilot's License, Raylen Chavers, Damon Benson, Jaquerious Barnes, and Anthony Williams. All other certifications and ratings listed below were earned through Tuskegee’s Aviation Science Program.
- Isaiah Hand (Class of 2027), Aviation Science, Tallahassee, Florida
Private Pilot License, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot License
- Kembriah Parker (Class of 2028), Aviation Science and Aerospace Engineering, Houston, Texas
Private Pilot License, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot License
- Willie Murdock (Class of 2027), Aviation Science, Fresno, California
Private Pilot License, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot License
- Raylen Chavers (Class of 2027), Aviation Science, Memphis, Tennessee
Instrument Rating
- Vontasia Smith (Class of 2027), Aviation Science, Miami, Florida
Private Pilot License, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot License
- Magina Cobbs (Class of 2028), Aviation Science, Covington, Georgia
Private Pilot License, Instrument Rating
- Damon Benson (Class of 2027), Aviation Science, McDonough, Georgia
Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot License
- Carl Richards (Class of 2027), Aviation Science, St. Ann, Jamaica
Private Pilot License, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot License
- Jaquerious Barnes (Class of 2029), Aviation Science, Lanett, Georgia
Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot License
- Fredrick Alexander (Class of 2028), Aviation Science, Atlanta, Georgia
Private Pilot License
- Anthony "AJ" Williams (Class of 2027), Aviation Science, Atlanta, Georgia
Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot License
- Ryan Artis (Class of 2027), Aviation Science, Lovejoy, Georgia
Private Pilot License, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot License
- Montia Edwards (Class of 2028), Aviation Science, Snellville, Georgia
Private Pilot License
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