Marshall University President Dr. Jerome Gilbert, Provost Dr. Jaime Taylor and Graduate Dean Dr. David Pittenger participated in a road dedication and signing ceremony for an Aerospace Partnership Compact including Marshall, Yeager Airport and the West Virginia Departments of Education and Commerce.

The compact emphasizes West Virginia’s commitment to growing a world-class aerospace labor force and creating opportunities for career technical education (CTE) students to gain the skills and expertise needed to work in the thriving industry. The compact also supports Marshall’s planned fall 2021 launch of an aviation school at the airport.

The aerospace industry currently employs approximately 4,000 people at 22 companies in West Virginia, accounts for $1.325 billion in economic output and contributes $486 million to the state’s gross domestic product. The pact recognizes the impact of this industry and the sustained joint effort to its expansion in the state.

Originally from Leah C. Payne for Marshall University Communications