On Nov. 6, leaders from Georgia Southern University and Robins Air Force Base publicly signed an Educational Partnership Agreement to provide more educational opportunities to students, faculty and staff in the areas of research, development and engineering.
“It’s critical for our institution that we develop partnerships that will expand our presence in southeast Georgia, particularly with Robins Air Force Base, to connect military with advanced educational opportunities,” stated Georgia Southern President Kyle Marrero. “We couldn’t be more proud to be signing this agreement.”
Specifically, the College of Engineering and Computing (CEC) and the Air Force will collaborate in the education of graduate and undergraduate students and faculty and staff with defense-related projects and development in aerospace research and technology, including materials, information technology, computer science, flight dynamics, aero propulsion and power, electronics, avionics, aging aircraft issues, manufacturing, and environmental issues.
Thomas Fischer, director of engineering and technical management for the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, noted significant changes in the Air Force’s national defense strategy.
“This partnership enables us to identify things we can collaborate on, make the Air Force better and help the Georgia Southern community,” he said. “This is an opportunity for us to figure out new ways to solve our newest challenges. We’re also interested in hiring your students. I meet with a lot of industry people and they all say I need workers that are ready to work. And you do that, you create workers.
“We have the best Air Force in the world for a reason. I believe it’s because of our ecosystem (of) industry, government and academia. If any of those are weak, we’re all weak. So this is how to keep it strong.”
Georgia Southern Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Carl L. Reiber and CEC Dean Mohammad S. Davoud were among the officials at the ceremony.
