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Southwest celebrates launch of Aviation Operations Technology program at Open House

By Chris Caldwell 

Southwest faculty, staff and community partners gather for the Aviation Operations Technology Open House at the Olive Branch Airport Terminal Aug. 30, 2022.
Southwest faculty, staff and community partners gather for the Aviation Operations Technology Open House at the Olive Branch Airport Terminal Aug. 30, 2022.

Southwest Tennessee Community College President Dr. Tracy D. Hall welcomed Tennessee Board of Regents Chancellor Flora W. Tydings, distinguished guests and community partners to an Open House celebrating the launch of the Aviation Operations Technology program Aug. 30, 2022 at the Olive Branch Airport Terminal. 

The AOT program is the first two-year aviation program in the state. Students who complete the 60-credit hour program will earn an A.A.S. in aviation operations technology in one of three concentrations: professional pilot, flight dispatcher and aviation administration. 

“Our dream to offer an aviation program is made possible due to the combined efforts of our Southwest team and community partners,” Hall said. “Thank you to three visionaries, Capt. Albert Glenn, Capt. Ed Lyons and Maj. Gen. Dexter Tutor, who saw the benefits of the program in the Mid-South community and in opening up the industry to a new diverse pool of employees. You are shining figures in the aviation community.”

Capt. Albert Glenn gave a tour of the Luke Weathers Flight Academy to Dr. Flora W. Tydings.
Capt. Albert Glenn gave a tour of the Luke Weathers
Flight Academy to Dr. Flora W. Tydings.

Capt. Albert Glenn, director of the Luke Weathers Flight Academy, and Southwest Foundation Board Member Capt. (retired) Ed Lyons, said their vision of Memphis as a hub for students interested in pursuing aviation careers could not have happened without Southwest’s pursuit in creating an industry-leading academic program.

“I think it is important that everyone who put the work into this aviation program sees the opportunities and potential that providing an education in aviation can make a difference,” Glenn said. “I’m extremely grateful to the Southwest team for making this program a reality. There was a lot of work done behind the scenes to make this vison come to light.”

Albert Coleman speaks to attendees at the Aviation Open House.
Aviation student Albert Coleman III shares his story.

The opportunity to study flight dispatch in the Memphis area was a dream come true for Southwest aviation student Alfred Coleman III, who said earning his credentials for a moment seemed impossible. 

“Aviation programs cost too much, took too long and were located so far from my family and job,” Coleman said. “Thanks to Southwest’s new aviation program, I can earn my degree in two years, and the cost is very affordable for me and my family. This program has the potential to change our local workforce and uplift the lives of many in our community who aspire to have a rewarding career in aviation.”