CWU Expands Aviation Management Degree to One of the Nation's Largest Airports

ELLENSBURG - Central Washington University is expanding its Aviation Management bachelor's degree program to one of the largest airports in the United States - in Moses Lake. This fall, CWU will offer a Bachelor of Science degree in flight technology aviation management at CWU-Moses Lake, its university center on the campus of Big Bend Community College (BBCC).

BBCC is located near Grant County International Airport, five miles from Moses Lake. The former Larson Air Force Base has five runways, the longest of which is 13,500 feet long, on its 4700-acre grounds. It is an alternate landing site for the NASA space shuttle, a training facility for Japan Airlines, and a test facility for Boeing.

"Working together, Central Washington University and Big Bend Community College are providing a program unique in the state at a location like no other in the nation," says Dr. Jerilyn S. McIntyre, CWU president. "This collaboration is an excellent example of the way Central's university centers increase access to baccalaureate degrees in Washington state."

Currently, CWU provides the only public-supported, four-year bachelor's degree in aviation in the Pacific Northwest. The partnership with BBCC expands the capacity of the program, which is in high demand by Northwest residents who want to become pilots or flight instructors.

CWU has been involved in aviation since WWII when Central participated in the civilian pilot training program for the military to help train pilots for the war.

The base in Moses Lake also served as a temporary military training center. In November 1942 the U.S. Army Air Force activated the base, known then as the Moses Lake Army Air Base. The purpose of the base was to prepare pilots to fly P-38s and to train combat crews for and later to train combat crews to fly the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, the first mass-produced, four-engine, heavy bomber. The base closed in 1966.

Eager to expand its flight tech program to meet the growing need, Big Bend has been looking for the right four-year program to bring to its campus.

"We are delighted to see the partnership between CWU and BBCC blossom," says Dr. Bill Bonaudi, BBCC president. "This new degree opportunity will only enhance opportunities for students in the two premiere aviation programs in the state."

"BBCC has an existing aviation program with an outstanding reputation that has been serving Washington and other northwest students for more than 30 years," explains Dale Wilson, CWU flight technology professor. By offering this B.S. degree at CWU-Moses Lake, not only is enrollment there expected to increase, but popularity of the two-year program at BBCC is also expected to grow.

View a larger image of students during flight training HERE.

Contact: Dale Wilson, Flight Technology, CWU (509) 963-2298/ e-mail: wilsond@cwu.edu