August 11th 2023.
Texas Southern University (TSU) has achieved a remarkable milestone: it is the only aviation program in the State of Texas to be accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI). This is a highly sought-after recognition, as only 43 programs worldwide have achieved such standards.
Moreover, TSU is the second HBCU to receive the AABI accreditation. Interim President Dr. Mary Evans Sias expressed her pride in the university’s achievement. “The aviation program at TSU has experienced an upward trajectory for many years, and this prestigious accreditation is a major step in accelerating future progress,” said Sias. She also acknowledged the hard work of the faculty and staff, led by Dr. Terence Fontaine, in obtaining the accreditation.
Dr. Fontaine is a member of the Red-Tailed Hawks Flying Club, an aviation club dedicated to introducing Black youth to the profession and Black pilots. He brings to the table an impressive 40 years of experience in the aviation field, including reporting directly to the Mayor of the City of Houston as the Deputy Chief of Staff for the City of Houston’s Operations.
Under Fontaine’s guidance, the program has seen tremendous growth. In the 2022-2023 academic year, the program experienced a 30% increase in enrollment. The university’s fleet was also expanded with the addition of a brand new custom Cessna plane.
In addition, the university has also partnered with the City of Houston to move its fleet into a hangar at the Houston Spaceport. Further, the program is part of Destination 225, a career pathway program in partnership with Southwest Airlines. The first cohort of four pilots from the university will be part of this program in 2024.
Fontaine expressed his pride and joy in the achievement: “This is one of the proudest days in our program’s history. Being accredited by the AABI puts us in the company of the top aviation programs in the country.” The accreditation is valid till July 31, 2028.
This is a major achievement for both Texas Southern University and the aviation industry as a whole. The accreditation opens up avenues to progress and diversify the profession. It is a great honor for the university to be part of this esteemed group of programs.
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