Textron Aviation pledges lead gift to launch WSU Tech Foundation’s $8 million capital campaign

Investment supports expansion of National Center for Aviation Training to address workforce development in aviation and advanced manufacturing.

WICHITA, Kan. (Aug. 13, 2025) — The WSU Tech Foundation has received a $2 million lead gift pledge from Textron Aviation Inc., maker of iconic Cessna and Beechcraft aircraft, to support the expansion of the National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT) — the main campus of Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (WSU Tech) in Wichita. The investment serves as the foundational gift in the launch of the Foundation’s $8 million capital campaign, titled Accelerate. Innovate. Aviate. In recognition of this commitment, WSU Tech will name its new training hangar the Cessna + Beechcraft by Textron Aviation Hangar.

“This gift from Textron Aviation reflects a shared vision to grow and sustain Wichita’s position as a global leader in aviation,” said Dr. Sheree Utash, president, WSU Tech. “Together, we are investing in the next generation of technical talent and strengthening the workforce pipeline that powers our region’s economy and the future of flight.”

The lead gift represents an early and significant endorsement of WSU Tech’s vision to expand aviation and manufacturing education through strategic industry collaboration. With this support, the college is poised to grow its capacity to meet regional workforce needs by enhancing hands-on training opportunities and increasing access for students across Kansas and beyond.

“Textron Aviation’s investment underscores our ongoing commitment to developing a highly skilled workforce and supporting the long-term growth of the aviation industry,” said Ron Draper, president and CEO, Textron Aviation. “WSU Tech graduates are an essential part of our talent pipeline, and this expansion ensures more students are prepared to join us in designing and delivering the best aviation experience for our customers.”

Meeting critical industry demand

Wichita is home to some of the most advanced aviation and manufacturing companies in the world. Since 2011, WSU Tech has grown from 3,700 to nearly 10,000 students, driven by both student interest and employer demand. However, current facilities at NCAT limit the college’s capacity to expand program offerings and enrollment.

The NCAT expansion project will add approximately 85,500 square feet of instructional space and is designed to serve an additional 1,450 students and trainees within its first three years. Construction is scheduled to begin this month, with classes beginning in January 2027.

The facility will feature key training areas including emerging aviation training centers, advanced manufacturing training centers, a professional pilot training center and hangar and a high school Aviation Maintenance Technology Academy. It will also serve as a hub for industry partners to train and upskill their existing workforce, supporting employer readiness across the country.

Campaign overview: Accelerate. Innovate. Aviate.

The Accelerate. Innovate. Aviate. campaign aims to raise $8 million in support of the NCAT expansion and WSU Tech Foundation priorities. To date, the campaign has raised 37% of its goal.

Campaign allocation:

  • Capital construction: $7,000,000
  • Scholarships & program support: $750,000
  • Foundation capacity & operations: $250,000

The campaign will support construction, equipment acquisition, workforce training and increased access to education through scholarships.

“This campaign is about preparing students for real-world success while meeting the workforce needs of our industry partners,” said Courtney Sendall, executive director, WSU Tech Foundation. “We are grateful to Textron Aviation for its leadership and long-standing support.”

Opportunities for engagement

The WSU Tech Foundation invites corporate partners, philanthropic organizations and individual donors to join in advancing workforce development in Kansas. Eligible donors may also benefit from Kansas state tax credits through a new educational infrastructure incentive program.

To learn more or to contribute to the campaign, visit: wsutech.edu/foundation/AVIATE

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About the WSU Tech Foundation & WSU Tech

The WSU Tech Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to help change the lives of WSU Tech students through scholarships and emergency loans thanks to generous private gifts, community contributions and employee support. For more information, visit www.WSUTECH.edu/FOUNDATION.

As Wichita State University’s Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology, WSU Tech stands at the forefront of modern technical education in Kansas, offering over 100 degree and certificate options. These programs cover critical fields such as aviation, health care, manufacturing, design, information technology, police science, culinary arts, business, and more. WSU Tech operates four campuses and serves as the managing partner of the National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT) in Wichita, KS—a city known for its high concentration of STEM jobs.

In 2018, Wichita State University, Kansas’ urban public research hub, affiliated with WSU Tech, enhancing the institution’s student-centered focus and aligning with Wichita State’s dedication to innovation and applied learning. This partnership has created a comprehensive educational environment that supports student achievement and meets the evolving needs of industries in the urban heart of Kansas and beyond.

Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and as a Kansas Board of Regents institution, WSU Tech upholds high academic standards and equips students with the skills necessary for lifelong success and career readiness.

For more information on how WSU Tech shapes the future of technical education and contributes to the workforce in Kansas and beyond, please visit www.WSUTECH.edu.

About Textron Aviation

We inspire the journey of flight. For more than 95 years, Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. company, has empowered our collective talent across the Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker brands to design and deliver the best aviation experience for our customers. With a range that includes everything from business jets, turboprops, and high-performance pistons, to special mission, military trainer and defense products, Textron Aviation has the most versatile and comprehensive aviation product portfolio in the world and a workforce that has produced more than half of all general aviation aircraft worldwide. Customers in more than 170 countries rely on our legendary performance, reliability and versatility, along with our trusted global customer service network, for affordable and flexible flight.

For more information, visit www.txtav.com | www.defense.txtav.com | www.scorpionjet.com.