AUBURN AL- The news this afternoon by Dr. Bill Hardgrave,
Dean of the College of Business, to terminate the Aviation Management
Professional Flight Program came as a shock to those in attendance as reported
on by flyauburn.org.
In a boardroom full of industry leaders, professors, flight
education employees, students, parents and alumni the Dean read a prepared
statement declaring his intention to "sunset" the Professional Flight program.
The Dean originally indicated that he would be unable to
attend the meeting. However, he arrived after lunch with Auburn University
Communications Director Mike Clardy. The Dean read a prepared statement
indicating his desire to "sunset" the flight program. He then hastily departed
without engaging those in attendance.
-www.FlyAuburn.org image-
We believe this course of action was premature and based
upon erroneous and substantially misleading information. This decision in no
way represents the leadership, vision or support that our industry leading
reputation demands and expects according to flyauburn.org.
While we are pleased that he chose to retain the Aviation
Management program, the decision to close the flight program falls well short
of our stated goal and desire of maintaining our nationally recognized flight
program.
The numbers quoted by the Dean were inaccurate and
misleading. The Dean has consistently been offered assistance and guidance
during the review process. The Dean has systematically denied input from the
advisory board, students, parents and alumni.
This decision puts in jeopardy Auburn University's recent
agreement with jetBlue Airways. It also puts our long-standing relationships
with corporations and other segments of the industry in peril. This comes at a
time when the industry is experiencing unprecedented growth in Alabama and has
a strong desire for Auburn graduates.
With over 4,000 alumni worldwide, Auburn has been an industry leader since 1941. We will seek additional support and will continue to reach out to government officials, the administration and other industry leaders to maintain AABI accreditation in ALL aspects of Auburn University Aviation Management.
For more information, visit www.FlyAuburn.org. You may also contact
Captain Jason Mohrman at 716-465-7091 or Lee Mills at 901-444-1974.
Editor's
note: The
Dean and the University released this statement today. It does not reflect the
Dean's actual words to the board. We are uploading a recording of the Dean's
statement to YouTube and will have it soon. http://wireeagle.auburn.edu/news/5202
The FlyAuburn.org response is below:
http://www.flyauburn.org/2013/05/10/our-response-to-dean-hardgraves-announcement/We have just begun our fight to save the ENTIRE program. Please
stand by for more updates at www.flyauburn.org.