CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Marshall University is ahead of schedule on it’s progress with the Bill Noe Flight School.
During an appearance on MetroNews “Talkline” last week at the State Capitol, Marshall University President Brad Smith said after just two years, the program is already beating their 5-year projections.
“Our enrollment right now is 148% above our plan so we’re a complete year ahead of our 5-year plan,” Smith said.
The program started with 18 students in 2022. There are now 127 students enrolled.
The Bill Noe Flight School currently has 10 planes with their first helicopter coming in. President Smith said the school is on track to see over 1,000 students participate in the program over the next couple of years with more aircraft on the way.
“We’re on path to have about 28 aircraft in the next couple of years,” Smith said.
Aviation jobs are in demand too. Smith said the aviation industry is about 50,000 people short for all sorts of jobs including pilots, technicians and air traffic control. There’s not enough individuals in the pipeline to fill all the needed positions, but Marshall, with it’s growing aviation program, is trying to help the cause.
“Every student we have enrolled at Marshall in the aviation program has a guaranteed job waiting for them,” said Smith.
It’s not just the Flight School at Marshall that’s growing. Through certain funding, Smith is hoping there will be some investments made into aviation programs at WVU Potomac State College, West Liberty University, Shepherd University and Blue Ridge Community and Technical College.
“We can’t do it alone,” Smith said. “That’s why we are working with those other universities to help them get their programs expanded or stood up.”