The agreement with MacAir Aviation advances Wilberforce University's aviation ambitions while celebrating the enduring legacy of educator, aviator, and trailblazer Dr. Lewis A. Jackson.
Wilberforce University took another significant step toward launching its highly anticipated Aviation Program today with the signing of a partnership agreement with MacAir Aviation, located at the Greene County-Lewis A. Jackson Regional Airport in Xenia, Ohio.
The Signing Ceremony
Participating in the signing were Wilberforce University President Dr. Vann R. Newkirk, Sr.; Dr. Ross (MacAir CEO,) and Stacy McNutt of MacAir Aviation; Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Lynda Brown-Wright; and Dr. Chance Glenn, Dean of Engineering and Special Assistant to the President.
The agreement establishes MacAir Aviation as the flight training provider for Wilberforce students enrolled in the University's new Aviation Program. The academic program has already received approval from the Ohio Department of Higher Education and is currently awaiting final authorization from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) before the program can officially launch.
Wilberforce MacAir Aviation Student Activations
Once approved, the program will provide Wilberforce students with access to both aviation coursework and professional flight training, creating a pathway to careers as commercial pilots and aviation professionals. MacAir Aviation, a premier flight training school and fixed-base operator (FBO) at the Greene County-Lewis A. Jackson Regional Airport, will provide the flight instruction component of the program.
"This is an exciting time for Wilberforce,"This partnership advances our efforts to bring more STEM opportunities to students at Wilberforce while opening doors to careers in one of the nation's most dynamic industries. Aviation represents opportunity, innovation, and economic mobility, and we are proud to create pathways that will allow our students to soar to new heights."“
The initiative aligns with Wilberforce University's long-standing commitment to educational innovation and leadership development. Founded in 1856, Wilberforce is recognized as America's oldest private Historically Black College and University and the first institution of higher education owned and operated by African Americans. Throughout its history, the university has prepared generations of leaders to break barriers and create opportunities in emerging fields.
Aviation Pioneer Dr. Lewis A. Jackson
The partnership carries special historical significance because of its connection to the airport's namesake, Dr. Lewis A. Jackson, a pioneering African American aviator, educator, inventor, and aviation trailblazer. Jackson served as Director of Training for the flight program that prepared many of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen during World War II and later taught at Wilberforce before joining the faculty at Central State University. He spent much of his career advancing aviation education while advocating for broader access to flight training and aviation careers.
Today, Greene County's airport proudly bears Jackson's name in recognition of his remarkable contributions to aviation and education. The connection between Wilberforce University's future aviation students and an airport honoring one of Black aviation's most influential figures creates a powerful link between history and the future.
"This partnership represents much more than flight training," said Dr. McNutt of MacAir Aviation. "We are honored to work with Wilberforce University as it launches its Aviation Program. There is something especially meaningful about educating future pilots at an airport named for Dr. Lewis A. Jackson, a pioneer who dedicated his life to expanding opportunities in aviation for African Americans. His legacy reminds us that excellence in aviation and education go hand in hand. Together, MacAir and Wilberforce will help inspire and prepare the next generation of aviation professionals while honoring the vision of a man who helped pave the way.“
Dr. Chance Glenn noted that the program exemplifies the University's commitment to expanding opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
"As we continue building innovative STEM programs at Wilberforce, aviation presents an exciting opportunity to connect classroom instruction with real-world, high-demand careers," Glenn said. "By partnering with MacAir Aviation, we are creating a program that will prepare students to compete and lead in an industry where diversity and representation remain critically important."
"This partnership reflects Wilberforce University’s commitment to developing academic programs that prepare students for meaningful careers in high-demand fields," adds Dr. Brown-Wright. "By combining a strong university education with professional flight training, we will provide students with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to succeed in the aviation industry. We are especially proud to advance this opportunity in a place that honors the extraordinary legacy of Dr. Lewis A. Jackson and inspires our students to continue breaking barriers."
Vice President of the Office of Institutional Advancement, Dr. Grant L. Winrow, emphasizes that financial support from corporate partners will be critical to ensuring student success. "While the academic portion of the degree can be covered through traditional financial aid; flight training costs often present a significant challenge for aspiring pilots," says Winrow. "As a result, Wilberforce is actively seeking corporate sponsors and industry partners to establish scholarships that will help students cover flight hours and related training expenses."
Wilberforce: Continuation of the Mission
For Wilberforce University, the signing represents more than a new academic offering. It symbolizes a continuation of the institution's historic mission to expand opportunity, break barriers, and prepare students to lead in fields where African Americans have often been underrepresented.
With regulatory approval on the horizon and an experienced flight training partner now in place, Wilberforce University's vision of bringing aviation education to campus is closer than ever to becoming reality. The partnership not only opens new career pathways for students but also honors the legacy of Dr. Lewis A. Jackson, whose life's work demonstrated that education and aviation can be powerful forces for transformation and progress.
As Wilberforce prepares to launch its Aviation Program, the University stands poised to inspire a new generation of aviators to follow a path first charted by one of America's most accomplished Black aviation pioneers.
