On Thursday, Southern Union State Community College and Auburn University held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new aviation hangar at the Auburn University Regional Airport. Southern Union President Todd Shackett addressed a large crowd of supporters, dignitaries, and officials, marking a historic day for the aviation program.
“First off, I want to thank our elected representatives who helped make this day happen. It was through their hard work that we secured funding to build this beautiful hangar long before we ever thought it would be possible.
This program offers our students a powerful pathway, providing high-quality education, meaningful careers, and the opportunity to enter a field that plays a critical role in public safety. By preparing skilled aviation technicians, we’re not only changing lives but also strengthening the aviation industry itself. Thank you to our leaders in Montgomery and in our community for the funding that helped us create this hub of aviation technology right here in Lee County,” said Shackett.
Southern Union’s aviation maintenance program is attracting more interest each year, and the new facility is expected to encourage further growth. According to the Boeing Pilot and Technician Outlook, the aviation industry needs 123,000 more mechanics and technicians by 2044.
The grand opening was a collaborative effort between Southern Union and Auburn University, with President Dr. Christopher B. Roberts present to deliver remarks on this historic day.
“I would like to thank President Todd Shackett for his vision, friendship, collaboration, and for nurturing the strong relationship between Auburn University and Southern Union that makes this work possible. Today is about more than opening the doors to a building; it’s about opening doors for students and strengthening our workforce while advancing an industry that connects people and economies around the world.
The collaboration between our two institutions reflects a strategic effort to build a stronger pipeline by expanding hands-on learning opportunities for aspiring aviation professionals across our region. This facility, I have no doubt, will enable our institutions to support the aviation industry during a pivotal time.
Boeing projects that approximately 710,000 new maintenance technicians will be required worldwide by 2044. When combined with the demand for pilots and cabin crew, the industry will need 2.4 million new aviation professionals over the next two decades. This is not a distant problem; it is an immediate issue that requires action from institutions willing to lead, and both Southern Union and Auburn University are ready to step up. Auburn has always believed in meeting real-world needs with practical solutions, and the Auburn Creed reminds us that this is a practical world where I can only count on what I earn. I believe this facility embodies that belief.
It is hands-on, purposeful, and designed to prepare students for meaningful careers from day one. What happens inside this facility is up to the students, and that is what matters most. They will gain real-life experience, solve real problems, and graduate ready to contribute to an industry that relies on precision, discipline, and trust,” said Roberts.
Many leaders attended, including State Senators Jay Hovey and Randy Price, House Representatives Kristin Nelson and Joseph Lovvorn, as well as Opelika and Auburn Mayors Eddie Smith and Ron Anders.
