By Mike Greife,
April 13, 2016
WARRENSBURG, MO 鈥 Students in the Department of Aviation at the University of Central
Missouri will reap the benefits of agreements recently signed with two regional airlines.
Memoranda of understanding were signed by UCM with Republic Airways and ExpressJet
providing UCM aviation graduates who meet the specified requirements with the opportunity
to obtain an interview with the airline for a position as a pilot. The requirements
include a minimum grade point average and the required FAA certifications and ratings,
as specified by the airlines.
John Auditore, senior talent acquisition agent for Republic Airways, and Roger Best,
dean of UCM鈥檚 Harmon College of Business and Professional Studies, signed the memorandum
March 4 creating the new partnership with Republic Airways and the Republic Airways
Aviation Career Pipeline.
Jack Eastes, first officer and pilot recruiter for ExpressJet, and Deborah Curtis,
UCM provost and chief learning officer, signed the memorandum between UCM and ExpressJet
April 1, affirming the relationship between UCM Aviation and the ExpressJet Pilot
Pathway Program.
According to Tony Monetti, assistant dean of aviation and executive director of UCM鈥檚
Max B. Swisher Skyhaven Airport, the two new agreements are now added to the list
of similar agreements with GoJet and Envoy airlines.
鈥淭he airlines are in need of qualified pilots to replace experienced pilots who are
retiring,鈥 Monetti said. 鈥淲e have been fortunate to be able to partner with airlines
who recognize the quality of our aviation graduates and the program they complete,
and they are excited about offering our graduates a great opportunity. It鈥檚 a win-win
situation for UCM and the airlines.鈥