Fairmont State University announced on Mar. 30 that its Aviation Program is advancing with new leadership, major investments, and expanding opportunities aimed at supporting West Virginia’s aviation workforce.
The university said these changes are important as they aim to meet growing regional and national demand for professionally trained pilots, while also strengthening the state’s transportation infrastructure and economic development goals.
Jason Pizatella, chairman of the Board of Governors, said, “The Board of Governors has complete confidence in the direction of Fairmont State University’s Aviation program. The investments being made in new leadership, aircraft, and infrastructure are delivering clear results and laying the foundation for long‑term success. This is a program with a clear vision, strong leaders, and a very bright future. We are very proud to support its continued growth.”
Starting April 6, Jeremy Griffin will take over as Chief Flight Instructor for flight operations. Oversight will remain with Aviation Department Chair Joe Ferguson. Griffin brings more than three decades of experience from his career as a U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 pilot flying AH-64 Apache and UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters; he is also certified in both rotary-wing and fixed-wing aircraft instruction.
President Mike Davis said: “Chief Flight Instructor Griffin represents exactly the kind of leadership and expertise that defines Fairmont State University. His extensive military background, instructional depth, and devotion to student success—paired with Aviation Department Chair Ferguson’s strong academic leadership—create a powerful foundation for our Aviation Program. Together, they are building a learning environment that upholds the top standards of safety and professionalism, while preparing our graduates to thrive amid the rapidly changing aviation industry.”
The university recently received $1.65 million in Fiscal Year 2026 Congressionally Directed Spending to expand flight operations capacity by purchasing additional aircraft for its Flight Center. In January 2025 it will add two Cessna Skyhawks through a $2 million contribution from the Governor’s Civil Contingency Fund; one was delivered on March 26 this year while another is expected next year along with engine rebuilds to improve fleet reliability.
Currently operating under Federal Aviation Administration regulations as a Part 141 training center producing about twelve commercial pilot graduates annually, Fairmont State expects these investments will allow increased enrollment capacity moving forward.
Addressing broader industry trends such as pilot shortages nationwide—where women make up only about nine percent of pilots—the university reports nearly twenty-five percent female enrollment within its own program.
