Contact: Crystal Drake, Office of Strategic Communications
64 students currently enrolled in Tuskegee’s Aviation Science Program
Among those preparing to become professional aviators with a Tuskegee education are Alexis Anderson, a freshman from Memphis, Tennessee, and Cason Brinkley, a freshman from Cleveland, Mississippi. Both arrived at Tuskegee already having logged hundreds of flight hours, bringing years of preparation and determination with them to campus.
“When Tuskegee University re-established our Aviation Science program in 2025, we did so with a bold vision: to prepare the next generation of pilots and aviation professionals as a talent pipeline to be an answer to this nation’s need for highly trained aviation leaders – just as the Tuskegee Airmen answered their country’s call during World War II, excelling in the skies and shaping history,” said Dr. Mark A. Brown, president and CEO.
“America's aviation industry needs the next generation of skilled pilots now more than ever, and Tuskegee University is proud to help meet that need,” said Dr. Brown. “Students like Alexis and Cason are preparing to carry forward a legacy of excellence while building the future of aviation.”
Dr. Brown added that support from Senator Katie Britt continues to help remove one of the greatest obstacles facing aspiring pilots, the cost of flight training. Sen. Britt has championed federal investment of nearly $12 million for Tuskegee’s program.
“When opportunity meets talent, remarkable things happen. Senator Britt has helped create that opportunity, and as a result, talent soars,” he said.
The program is currently home to 64 students all progressing to meet rigorous requirements set by the FAA to join the aviation industry – 34 students are training to obtain their FAA Private Pilot Certification, 17 students are training for the FAA Instrument Rating and 13 students are training to receive their Multi-engine Certification.
In May 2027, Tuskegee will celebrate a historic milestone when the program's first cohort graduates.
Earlier this semester, Anderson and Brinkley were in the audience for the university's Bomber Jacket Awarding Ceremony, where student aviators from the inaugural cohort were honored for earning key Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) flight certifications and ratings and received customized leather bomber jackets designed to honor the legendary Tuskegee Airmen.
For the two freshmen, watching upperclassmen receive the symbolic jackets served as powerful motivation.
"It was great being there for the bomber jacket ceremony because it was an extra motivation to keep going," Anderson said.
For Brinkley, the ceremony reinforced the connection between Tuskegee's historic aviation legacy and his own aspirations.
"They laid down a path and showed the world what Tuskegee pilots can do," he said. "I know I can do this."
Anderson's aviation journey began unexpectedly at age 14 during a career day event at her school. While other career presentations failed to spark her interest, a session led by FedEx pilots changed everything.
"I told my mom when I got out of school, 'Mom, I want to be a pilot,'" Anderson recalled.
From that moment forward, she immersed herself in aviation opportunities, including programs offered through the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP). Through ACE Academy and other aviation initiatives, she discovered not only a passion for flying but also a supportive community of mentors committed to helping her succeed.
One of those mentors is Trina Boyce Weathers, daughter of renowned Tuskegee Airman Luke Weathers Jr. Through that connection, Anderson has gained a deeper understanding of the resilience and unassailable excellence her training will produce.
That support network was on display at Dr. Brown’s Ice Cream Social for new students and families in August, where Anderson's father proudly wore a shirt that read, "My Favorite Pilot Calls Me Dad."
Today, Anderson is balancing the demands of college life while fully embracing the rigor of the Aviation Science curriculum. She takes advantage of office hours, tutoring resources, and study groups while pursuing her long-term goal of earning every available certification before graduation.
Brinkley's path to Tuskegee also began at an early age.
His fascination with aviation took flight during a family trip to Florida when he was still in elementary school.
"The pilot asked if I wanted to see the cockpit," Brinkley said. "When I saw all those buttons lighting up, I was hooked."
That experience launched years of aviation training and exploration.
With support from his family and organizations such as Black Pilots of America, Brinkley began building the skills and connections that would shape his future. His first flight lesson came from Sam Washington, a pilot and family friend. He later attended ACE Academy in Memphis, a program led by OBAP and FedEx that introduced him to aviation professionals and fellow aspiring pilots from across the country.
"It showed me the power of networking," Brinkley said. "And it was important seeing people who look like me in the industry."
He continued developing his skills through additional aviation camps, including experiences with the Naval Flight Academy in Pensacola, while logging valuable ground-school time with certified instructors.
The hard work paid off in July 2024 when he earned his private pilot license.
As he evaluated collegiate aviation programs, Brinkley visited institutions known for aviation excellence, including Auburn University and the University of Oklahoma. Ultimately, Tuskegee stood apart.
The University's commitment to underwriting flight training was a significant factor. Equally important was the atmosphere he experienced during an open house visit.
"It felt warm here, like a family," Brinkley said. "It felt like home."
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