New Classrooms, And High School Outreach Program

Embry-Riddle Aeronautics University is moving from its campus at the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, to new digs in nearby Chandler.

The new facility will be a 4,000-square-foot building near the intersection of Loops 101 and 202 in Chandler, where ERAU will lease a building in the newly constructed San Tan Dobson Business Park, according to the Business Journal of Phoenix.

Construction is not yet complete for the non-profit aviation university, but plans are to start classes in March. Five new high-tech classrooms will double the room size used now.

"It is a brand-new building, very contemporary," said Bruce Rothwell, dean of academic affairs for the school's central region. "It's also going to provide us with a little more visibility."

Officials with the school say the budget was initially set for $375,000, but that budget was exceeded. "The computer classroom alone will cost upward of $60,000 to $70,000," Rothwell said.

Embry-Riddle is known for its focused education programs in the aviation and aerospace management sectors. Its main campus is Daytona Beach, FL. Other Arizona locations include Prescott, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, and Luke Air Force Base.

The aviation school has ties with NASA, Boeing, and Northrop Grumman Inc. and is looking for additional companies to help sponsor classrooms, according to Kevin Hill, regional marketing manager for Embry-Riddle.

When the relocation is completed, the university plans a dual-enrollment outreach program to local high school students.

FMI: www.erau.edu/