"We look forward to the future and being a partner with MTSU by offering careers in aviation to the students of the Aerospace Program."”

Mayor Randy Carroll

Shelbyville, Tenn. - Middle Tennessee State University's Aerospace Department is entering a new era as it prepares to move to a new state-of-the-art campus in Shelbyville. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee joined university officials, local leaders, and hundreds of attendees at the announcement event on September 21, 2023.

The event, held at the Shelbyville Municipal Airport, featured MTSU Aerospace-branded planes flanking the stage where Governor Lee and MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee delivered their remarks. The program was livestreamed on MTSU True Blue TV.

Governor Lee expressed his excitement for the new campus, stating, "We've been advocating for this, and MTSU and Shelbyville have created an environment for this to work. This is money well spent. This is one of the leading aviation programs in the nation, and we need to invest in it."

President McPhee highlighted the significance of the move, stating that it marked a new beginning for aviation education in Tennessee and the United States. He emphasized the university's commitment to providing educational opportunities for future pilots and those seeking careers in aviation services.

The plans for the new MTSU Aerospace-Shelbyville campus have been in the works for months due to Aerospace's rapid growth. The program requires expansion and a departure from its current location at Murfreesboro Airport. The move is being funded with a combined $62.2 million from the state and the university.

The temporary facilities will be ready by the end of the spring semester in 2024, and around 10 to 20 aircraft will be relocated to Shelbyville next spring. The groundbreaking for the new campus is scheduled for the summer or fall of 2024, with the eventual relocation to Shelbyville expected by the summer or fall of 2026.

The new campus will include facilities for Flight Operations, aircraft, simulators, and fleet maintenance. It will also offer lab spaces, classrooms, and equipment for the maintenance management concentration.

Mayor Randy Carroll of Shelbyville expressed his support for the move, stating, "We look forward to the future and being a partner with MTSU by offering careers in aviation to the students of the Aerospace Program."

MTSU Board of Trustees Chairman Steve Smith and other university officials also shared their excitement about the project. Chaminda Prelis, Aerospace Chair, called it "an unprecedented opportunity" that would set MTSU apart from other collegiate aviation institutions.

The Department of Aerospace received support from various partners, including airlines Delta and Southwest, aircraft suppliers Diamond Aircraft Canada and Piper Aircraft, and scholarship supporters. Prelis also acknowledged the dedication and hard work of the faculty and staff who will play a crucial role in the transition to the new campus.

MTSU Aerospace, established in 1942, has become one of the most respected aerospace programs in the nation. With over 1,000 students and a team of experienced faculty members and flight instructors, the program attracts students from across the United States and internationally. Aerospace graduates hold prominent positions in companies worldwide.

The move to the new campus in Shelbyville represents a significant milestone for MTSU's Aerospace Department and reinforces its position as a leading institution for aviation education. It is a testament to the state's investment in the future of aerospace education and the opportunities it brings to Tennessee.