| | | Spring 2026, Semester Recap | | |
Updates from the School of Aviation
May 7, 2026
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A Message From Dr. Birdsong
As the spring semester ends, I am incredibly proud of everything our students and our School of Aviation community have accomplished. This spring, we celebrated 96 Aviation Management graduates and 89 Professional Flight graduates, each prepared to step forward as a leader in an increasingly complex and dynamic aviation industry! Their success reflects not only their hard work and dedication, but also the strength of this program and the people who support them every day.
My sincere thanks go to our outstanding faculty and staff, whose commitment and professionalism ensure we continue to prepare the world’s best aviation professionals. I am also deeply grateful to the many stakeholders who collaborated with us this spring to shape our Flight Plan 2035 Strategic Plan, helping chart a bold and intentional course for the future of the School of Aviation. Our industry partners are essential to our success, and the recent visit from the Chairman and CEO of Airbus North America highlights the global relevance and growing momentum of our program.
We have a busy summer of flying and learning ahead, and we are already looking forward to the fall semester as we welcome our next incoming class of Auburn aviators. Thank you for being part of this remarkable community. I wish you all a safe, restful, and well‑earned summer!
War Eagle!
Birdy
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Thank You, Wayne: A Lasting Legacy in Auburn Aviation
Wayne Ceynowa’s legacy at the Auburn University School of Aviation is inseparable from the program’s modern success. Since the early 2010s, Wayne has served as a steady and trusted leader during a period of renewal, challenge, and extraordinary growth. As Chief Flight Instructor, he championed the rebirth of Auburn’s flight program—restoring FAA Part 141 status and self‑examining authority, guiding the program through multiple college transitions, and leading successful reaffirmations of accreditation.
Wayne also played a pivotal role in shaping the future of Auburn Aviation, from helping plan the Delta Air Lines Aviation Education Building to leading the program through the transition into the new facility. Under his leadership, student enrollment grew from just 50 students to a peak of more than 700, the fleet expanded from 12 to 67 aircraft, and the program achieved more than 44,000 flight hours in the past year alone. Through the challenges of COVID and an era of rapid expansion, Wayne’s leadership and institutional knowledge positioned the program for long‑term stability and success.
Auburn Aviation is unquestionably stronger because of Wayne’s dedication and service. We are deeply grateful for his lasting contributions and wish him the very best in a well‑earned retirement.
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Congratulations, Spring 2026 Grads! | To view the full link of over 200+ Grads, click here! | |
School of Aviation Student Award Recipients
Jalyn Breedlove
Robert G. Pitts Award - Most Outstanding Senior
Student who exhibits exemplary leadership, academic performance, citizenship, character and promise of professional ability.
Bo Barlow
Outstanding Airmanship Award
Student in the Professional Flight program with the highest evaluation of flight skills and knowledge sent forward by the Chief Flight Instructor or his representative.
Caleb Sutton
Aviation Leadership Award - Most Outstanding Participation in the University and Community
Student who has significantly contributed to the University and community.
Grace Richardson
Faculty Award - Professional Flight
Student in the Professional Flight program with the highest cumulative GPA as identified by the Academic Advisor at the end of each semester.
Tristan Croson, Sara McGeehee & Morgan Julian
Faculty Award - Aviation Management
Student in the Aviation Management program with the highest cumulative GPA as identified by the Academic Advisor at the end of each semester.
Jacob Prouty
Most Supportive Peer Award
Nomination from student peer survey, with endorsement from a faculty member, that describes outstanding support to fellow peers.
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Spring Student Engagement
Aside from awards, Auburn Aviation has also achieved success through numerous career-readiness and educational opportunities for our students. Our annual events, such as career fairs, the Distinguished Speaker series, Tiger Giving Day, and many other new opportunities, marked Auburn Aviation's continued commitment to promote student engagement.
Our spring career fair brought together 20 employers and over 400 students for an exciting day of connection and opportunity. From commercial and private flight pathways to aviation management roles, both local and national, there was something for every aspiring aviation professional. We were thrilled to welcome several new faces to the fair this year, including Aircraft Executives, Eagle Aviation Columbia, LLC, JAARS, Neel-Schaffer, Inc., and Yulista Holding. A heartfelt "thank you" to all the employers who showed up, opened doors, and invested in the next generation of aviation talent.
| For the continuation of our Distinguished Speaker series, we were honored to host the CEO of Airbus Americas, Robin Hayes. Alongside a tour of Auburn University and the Delta Air Lines Aviation Education Building, presented by our very own Striped Wings, he also met with Dean Hicks and President Roberts. With a packed auditorium, Mr. Hayes detailed his experience breaking into the aviation industry and how taking on various roles during his time at JetBlue and British Airways helped him see the bigger picture in his future career at Airbus. This event was open to all Auburn Aviation students, alumni, and faculty, and welcomed questions ranging from insights into the future of AI in the industry. A special thanks to Robin Hayes and the team at Airbus for making this experience possible. | This year, the Women in Aviation International conference was held in Dallas, Texas. Numerous Auburn organizations were in attendance including the Auburn Ninety-Nines, Women in Aviation International - War Eagle Chapter, and the Striped Wings. The Striped Wings and WAI War Eagle Chapter toured both Southwest Airlines and American Airlines, respectively. At American Airlines, students were able to see bodies of the planes, fly the Boeing 777 simulator, and tour the operations center. They spent the week attending numerous panels, building professional bridges, recruiting prospective students, and, of course, sharing plenty of "War Eagles" along the way. | |
"I had the incredible opportunity to attend the 37th Annual Women in Aviation International Conference in Dallas with the War Eagle Chapter. It was inspiring to connect with industry professionals and hear powerful stories from strong female aviators about their journeys into aviation."
-Katherine (Faith) Vaughan
Sophomore, Professional Flight
WAI War Eagle Chapter,
Vice President
Auburn University 99s,
Vice President of Events and Programming
| This Tiger Giving Day, we directed fundraising efforts toward preserving the legacy of Edward Taylor, an Auburn graduate who served as a bomber pilot in WWII alongside his plane, the "War Eagle." With funds reaching $15,000, the School of Aviation is excited to properly preserve and display Taylor's bomber jacket, cap, diary, and credits, and to share his history in our facilities for future aviation generations. | For the first time, Auburn Aviation hosted a "Region's Lunch & Learn" event for students. This event offered students valuable insights into loans, saving money, credit, and credit cards, as well as the financial resources available to all Auburn students. Financial wellness and readiness are crucial not only to university students but also to future aviation professionals. Providing a platform for students to be aware of resources and ask questions is incredibly important, and we thank Regions Bank for taking the time to share this workshop with our students. | Thanks to the diligent efforts of the College of Liberal Arts, the School of Aviation was able to provide students with an immersive experience alongside the Delta Air Lines team. The trek included a facility tour of the Delta Flight Museum alongside speakers in flight operations and pilot outreach. The day concluded with a lunch & learn led by Auburn Alumni panelists inclusing Thomas Winters, Anneliese Kruger, Conner St. Pierre, and Samantha M. Facteau. | |
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Dennis and Jack Dutton Memorial Fund
The Auburn University School of Aviation is proud to celebrate the lives of Jack and Dennis through the creation of the “Dennis and Jack Dutton Memorial Scholarship Fund.”
This scholarship honors two remarkable people whose integrity, generosity, and love for aviation touched everyone they met. Jack and Dennis were more than pilots—they were mentors and friends remembered for the kindness, laughter, and encouragement they brought to our community. Their impact on Auburn Aviation will never be forgotten.
Through this fund, we hope to carry forward their spirit by supporting future aviators who share the Duttons’ passion, compassion, and dedication to flight. Once the fund reaches $25,000, it will become an endowed scholarship, ensuring their legacy continues to inspire and uplift Auburn Aviation students for generations to come.
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Air Race Classic: 2026 War Eagle Women
The Auburn School of Aviation is excited to announce the 2026 Air Race Classic teams! This year, we are sending two teams to compete in the 2,400 statute mile cross-country race. Student Hadley Ary, CFI Caroline Mason and Campbell Glasgow will be flying for the Blue Team. The Orange Team is comprised of student Taylor Deebs, CFI Maggie Peacock, and Aspen Hood. We are excited to see what they will accomplish in the coming months. To keep up with our ARC teams, follow them on Instagram @WarEagleWomen26 and our website.
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Safety Corner
Every semester, the Student Aviation Safety Committee hosts the FOD Walk, meant to promote aviation safety as well as community to students. This March, over 40 students attended as well as various faculty members to keep the Auburn University Regional Airport a safe and clean airspace.
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"Thank you so much to everyone who attended the Spring 2026 FOD walk! The Student Aviation Safety Committee is looking forward to hosting our fourth semesterly FOD walk in October."
-Jessica McGrath
Senior, Professional Flight
Student Aviation Safety Committee,
Chair
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