Wilberforce University Selects MacAir Aviation as Flight Training Partner for Proposed Aviation Degree

Ohio, USA – Wilberforce University, America's oldest private Historically Black College and University (HBCU), has signed a flight training partnership on 25 August 2026 with MacAir Aviation, a flight training provider and Fixed Base Operator at Greene County-Lewis A. Jackson Regional Airport in Xenia, Ohio — establishing MacAir as the flight training provider for Wilberforce students enrolling in the University's new Aviation Programme, currently awaiting final Higher Learning Commission (HLC) authorisation after receiving Ohio Department of Higher Education approval.

• Wilberforce University was founded in 1856, recognised as America's oldest private HBCU and the first institution of higher education owned and operated by African Americans.
• The partnership carries historical significance through its location at Greene County-Lewis A. Jackson Regional Airport, named for Dr. Lewis A. Jackson — a pioneering African American aviator, educator, inventor, and aviation trailblazer who served as Director of Training for the flight programme that prepared many of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen during World War II, and who taught at Wilberforce before joining Central State University.
• Wilberforce is actively seeking corporate sponsors and industry partners to establish scholarships covering flight training costs, which remain a significant cost barrier not addressed by traditional financial aid.
• MacAir’s current aircraft rental inventory lists 18 aircraft: one Cessna 152, one Piper PA-28-151 Warrior, four PA-28-161 Warrior IIs, three PA-28-181 Archer IIs, one PA-28R-201 Arrow III, one PA-28RT-201 Arrow IV, three Cirrus SR22s, one American Champion Decathlon, one Piper PA-34 Seneca, one Piper PA-23 Aztec and one Cessna 207.
• The training provider also operates an FAA-approved Redbird Advanced Aviation Training Device configurable for Piper Archer, Arrow and Seneca and Cirrus Avidyne and Perspective cockpit environments.

Statements

• "This is an exciting time for Wilberforce. This partnership advances our efforts to bring more STEM opportunities to students at Wilberforce while opening doors to careers in one of the nation's most dynamic industries. Aviation represents opportunity, innovation, and economic mobility, and we are proud to create pathways that will allow our students to soar to new heights," said Dr. Vann R. Newkirk, Sr., President of Wilberforce University.
• "This partnership represents much more than flight training. We are honored to work with Wilberforce University as it launches its Aviation Program. There is something especially meaningful about educating future pilots at an airport named for Dr. Lewis A. Jackson, a pioneer who dedicated his life to expanding opportunities in aviation for African Americans. His legacy reminds us that excellence in aviation and education go hand in hand. Together, MacAir and Wilberforce will help inspire and prepare the next generation of aviation professionals while honoring the vision of a man who helped pave the way," said Dr. Ross McNutt of MacAir Aviation.
• "As we continue building innovative STEM programs at Wilberforce, aviation presents an exciting opportunity to connect classroom instruction with real-world, high-demand careers. By partnering with MacAir Aviation, we are creating a program that will prepare students to compete and lead in an industry where diversity and representation remain critically important," said Dr. Chance Glenn, Dean of Engineering and Special Assistant to the President.
• "This partnership reflects Wilberforce University's commitment to developing academic programs that prepare students for meaningful careers in high-demand fields. By combining a strong university education with professional flight training, we will provide students with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to succeed in the aviation industry. We are especially proud to advance this opportunity in a place that honors the extraordinary legacy of Dr. Lewis A. Jackson and inspires our students to continue breaking barriers," said Dr. Lynda Brown-Wright, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.
• "While the academic portion of the degree can be covered through traditional financial aid; flight training costs often present a significant challenge for aspiring pilots. As a result, Wilberforce is actively seeking corporate sponsors and industry partners to establish scholarships that will help students cover flight hours and related training expenses," said Dr. Grant L. Winrow, Vice President of the Office of Institutional Advancement.

Source: Wilberforce University