Posted on Monday, April 14, 2025
TSU Aviation's view from a Western Michigan University simulator
Representatives from Texas Southern University (TSU) Aviation traveled to Battle Creek, Michigan, for an impactful visit to Western Michigan University (WMU) Aviation. WMU boasts the fourth-largest collegiate aviation program in the United States, serving more than 1,000 aviation students annually, including over 550 in its professional pilot degree program.
Accompanied by Dr. Derrick Manns from the Office of the Provost, several TSU Aviation faculty and staff participated in the visit. The trip marks a significant step forward in TSU Aviation’s strategic goal of becoming one of the top 25 aviation programs in the country within the next five years.
“To be the best, you have to observe and practice like the best,” said TSU Executive Director of Aviation Dr. Terence Fontaine. “With a legacy dating back to 1939, WMU has long been a leader in aviation education. At TSU, we take pride in cultivating a program that serves our aviation management, drone, and professional pilot students with excellence—creating an environment they can be proud of and eager to promote. It's always great to be invited to visit an aviation program with as rich a heritage as WMU.”
WMU operates the nation’s largest fleet of Cirrus SR-20 G7 aircraft—aircraft that TSU plans to introduce into its own training fleet in the near future. The primary focus of the visit was to facilitate a smooth transition from Cessna 172 training aircraft to the more advanced Cirrus SR-20 platform. WMU generously shared insights, best practices, and key transition documents to support TSU in this pivotal upgrade.
This collaboration extends beyond aircraft; it represents the beginning of a promising partnership between TSU and WMU. TSU students and faculty will immediately benefit from the exchange of knowledge and shared resources, with additional opportunities on the horizon. In a show of continued support, WMU’s Dean of Aviation has invited TSU aviators to participate in cold-weather flight training in Michigan next winter.
As the relationship grows, TSU looks forward to hosting WMU’s Dean and faculty at our upcoming ribbon-cutting ceremony this fall. The event will celebrate the opening of our new 25,000-square-foot aviation facility at Ellington Airport, developed in partnership with the Houston Airport System. This state-of-the-art facility will become the new home for TSU’s expanding aircraft fleet and enhance the hands-on training experience for our students.
Category: Faculty & Staff, Students, News Media, Alumni