University Officials Respond To Concerns From Students, Alumni

Auburn University will not be dropping its professional flight management degree program, according to Provost Timothy Boosinger.

The dean of the Raymond J. Harbert College of Business had announced plans to eliminate professional flight management as a degree program in May. At the time, Dean Bill Hardgrave said that the school planned to give more emphasis to a degree program with a focus on careers in airport or airline management.

The online news site oanow.com in Opelika AL, reports that the school heard from countless alumni, students, and prospective students for the professional flight management program.

In a letter addressed to aviation students and released by the university, Boosinger said both degree programs now have the full support of the school. "The decision to keep both degree programs allows us to develop exciting future plans for Auburn aviation," he said.

Boosinger said that among the goals for the professional flight program are better facilities. He said they are still addressing the need for full-time faculty, but that qualified instructors have been hired to keep the program going.

Boosinger also said that additional resources are needed to maintain the programs, and that may mean tuition increases, additional fees, and support from alumni and industry.

FMI: http://business.auburn.edu/academics/undergraduate/professional-flight-management/