The Greater San Antonio Chamber’s September Aerospace Committee meeting featured a moderated panel discussion amongst three of San Antonio’s higher education institutions: St. Mary’s, UTSA, and Hallmark. Panelists discussed how each program contributes to the aerospace industry, how real-world industry experiences are built into the curriculum, and where they see their programs going forward.
To kick-off the meeting, Nathan Ramon welcomed attendees and introduced Katie Ferrier, the Chamber’s VP of Education and Workforce Development, who served as the panel moderator. Panelists included Bahman Rezaie, Ph.D. of St. Mary’s, Christopher Combs, Ph.D. of UTSA, and Stan Younger of Hallmark.
Up first, Dr. Rezaie provided an overview of St. Mary’s Engineering department which utilizes a multi-disciplinary, collaborative approach combining instruction across computer, electrical, industrial, mechanical, and software engineering programs. Cross-functional teamwork and idea sharing is prioritized across the student’s academic journeys, but more-so during their Senior Design Projects in which students work with industry partners to solve specific issues. Additionally, the Bachelor of Science in Engineering Science with a Drone Concentration is the first of its kind in Texas and one of the few in the nation. This degree prepares students to enter the rapidly expanding drone industry by teaching them how to construct, service, and fly drones, and the opportunity to graduate with the FAA Part 107 Drone Pilot’s license. Drone education takes place in the Unmanned Aerial Systems Drone Lab on St. Mary’s campus, which committee members were able to tour at the conclusion of the meeting.
Next, Dr. Combs highlighted the Aerospace pathways available to UTSA students through the Aerospace Engineering certificate program and the Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering. Like St. Mary's, UTSA students also work on year-long senior projects in which they partner with industries to develop solutions that businesses are currently facing. Dr. Combs described the caliber of students at UTSA, sharing many are eager to participate in ongoing research and are willing to put in extra time to the gain the experience that will help prepare them for careers in the industry. UTSA is well-positioned to continue expanding and welcoming additional students, particularly in programs that align with in-demand and popular industries in San Antonio such as Aerospace.
Lastly, as one of the premier A&P programs across the country, Hallmark graduates a record number of aviation mechanics every year and is greatly relied upon by large aviation and MRO companies in San Antonio like Boeing, Standard Aero, and ST Engineering, as well as airlines like American and Southwest. Mr. Younger shared that Hallmark typically serves a different demographic compared to other aviation programs, with a high percentage of female participants and many workers who enroll to “re-skill” as they change career paths. Mechanics work on real jet engines in hangars to get an immersive learning experience, and can earn a degree, earn their A&P license, and start work in under 2 years. Mr. Younger shared the College of Aeronautics is very close to reaching its learning capacity, however the University’s new Westover Hills location on the West Side of San Antonio may aid in expanding the program and the potential number of students Hallmark will be able to serve.
With the vast array of opportunities available to students in San Antonio, committee members remain hopeful the new, innovative programs like St. Mary’s Drone Concentration, UTSA’s Aerospace pathway, and Hallmark’s campus expansion will continue to draw students interest and retain talent to support the city’s growing aerospace industry.
To learn more about the Greater Chamber’s Aerospace Committee, click here.