Today North Arkansas College (Northark) announces the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has selected the Uncrewed Aerial Systems program for the Unmanned Aircraft Systems-Collegiate Training Initiative program or the UAS-CTI.
“This FAA designation affirms Northark is delivering high-quality, workforce-ready education in one of the fastest-growing technology sectors,” said President Rick Massengale. “This recognition elevates our program nationally and expands opportunities for our students to enter the UAS workforce.”
The FAA’s UAS-CTI program recognizes institutions that prepare students for careers in unmanned aircraft systems, commonly referred to as drones. To qualify for the initiative, schools must offer a bachelor’s or associates degree in UAS or a degree with a minor, concentration, or certificate in UAS. Schools must provide curriculum covering various aspects of UAS training, including hands-on flight practice, maintenance, uses, applications, privacy concerns, safety, and federal policies concerning UAS.
Director of Institutional Partnerships and Special Initiatives at Northark, Dr. Laura Berry, highlighted the value of Northark's selection to the UAS-CTI program: “being selected for the FAA’s UAS-CTI program is incredibly meaningful because it establishes our collaboration with the FAA and helps connect us with industry, government, law enforcement, and others who are involved in expanding the aviation workforce of the future. Northark is one of only two colleges in Arkansas to be part of this initiative; the other is the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. As a pilot, I'm proud to be part of the team who has helped build this UAS & Data Applications program to give students access to innovative aviation education right here in Harrison.”
Northark’s program equips students with the skills to operate, maintain, and deploy unmanned aerial systems (UAS) across industries. Through hands-on training, students gain expertise in flight operations, remote sensing, GIS integration, safety, and FAA compliance, preparing them for careers in data collections, mapping, inspection, and environmental monitoring.
The new drone program offers exciting new opportunities for students. Rick Williams, program instructor says, “Many of the students in the program are not the traditional student but are those who are already in a career and plan to use the skills learned in the program to enhance what they are already doing, start their own business, or just have fun flying drones. Some are turning a fun hobby into a career. We are excited about the overwhelming response to this program and the potential impact it can have with our students.”