Interest Is High, Students Will Fly In New 172’s

Southeast Missouri State University has a new aviation program and this semester’s students will be happy to be learning in new aircraft.

The program consists of a four-year degree, with the majority of student's training done within two years, according to Miranda Sullivan, the assistant professor for SEMO's Pro Pilot Ground School.

For the first time, SEMO revealed the three new Redhawk branded Cessna 172 aircraft over the weekend at the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport. All involved in the program from students to university and airport officials, legislators and guests were able to partake in the unveiling.

SEMO State University President Dr. Carlos Vargas, says that the program has grown quicker than expected, seeing higher than forecasted enrollment numbers.

"Our initial idea was to have 10 students in the program ... now, we have probably 35-plus students," Vargas said.

Vargas continued by saying that he believes this new program is going to benefit the university and its students, and the airport. The connection between the campus and local community is one that he feels will promote economic development in the area.

"What you're witnessing here is the result of an engaged university," Vargas continued. "This [program] is one more, not the only way, but one more way in which Southeast Missouri State University continues to stand by that mission that we have, which is to become engaged with the community that we live in."

The new program began this week.

FMI: https://semo.edu