Seven College of Aeronautics and Engineering (CAE) professional pilot/ flight technology students accepted qualified offers from Delta, making the group the first from Kent State University to receive the distinction from Delta.
A ceremony took place at the FedEx Aeronautics Academic Center, part of the CAE, hosted by Delta, which welcomed families and Kent State faculty/staff to welcome the pilots to the Delta family. Barring the parameters to a role at Delta are met, the students will work for Delta within 42 months.
“We couldn’t be more proud of our students who worked hard and were committed to the Propel program,” says Christina Bloebaum, Ph.D., dean, College of Aeronautics and Engineering. “These students represent the first group to receive qualified offers with Delta since we became a propel college last fall.”
Delta is the only airline offering students a customized career path to Delta. Students may choose from three career routes: Flying for one of the Delta Connection Carriers; a job-share instructing for your university and flying corporate aircraft for Delta Private Jets; or flying military aircraft for the Air National Guard or Reserves.
Jack Backhurst”As one of the few flight training institutions in the country partnering with Delta Air Lines, I was afforded an opportunity to advance my aviation career though the Delta Propel program. I am so excited to represent KSU as a pilot for Delta!”
Bart Brenneman“Being selected is the culmination on what I’ve been working on but what a lot of people have put into motion before I even began attending Kent State. I feel very blessed that this opportunity presented itself less than a semester after I started, and it’s comforting to me that I have the knowledge of where I’ll be 5-10 years down the road both for myself and my family.”
Brian Carnprobst"When I heard about Delta Propel coming to Kent State I was ecstatic because Delta has always been the airline that I want to fly for. I could not be more thankful to have been given this opportunity and qualified job offer through the Delta Propel Program!"
Ricky Castrigano“As a kid, I’d fly to Disney World and I’d see the pilots and look up to them. I remember it really made me hooked on flying and I always wondered what went on in the cockpit. One day I saw a video from the pilot’s prospective and I knew that’s what I wanted to do. Flying for Delta is something I always wanted to do and I’m glad I chose Kent State that ultimately helped accomplish my goal.”
Martice Johnson“Coming into the program, I knew it was going to be a challenge. So I came in with the mindset that as long as I try my best, I’ll be happy. I used everything I learned at KSU from professional dev classes and it ended up being the determining factor of me getting the position.”
Will Kaib“It’s a surreal opportunity. I never thought that when I decided to come to Kent State that I’d have a job lined up at a major airline less than a year after graduating. When I heard the news, I was very excited, but now that it is happening, I’m realizing how my dreams are coming true.”
Andrew Miller“My father is a pilot flying corporate jets, so this has been in my family my whole life. I always looked up to my dad and his best friend Bernie. He went to Kent State University and taught at KSU. Delta has been my dream. My dad’s best friend is a Delta pilot – I wanted to follow in his footsteps of being a Delta commercial pilot since he has also been my mentor. [As a child] I looked at pilots and their presentation – dressed in suits and respected and wanted the same for myself.”