RICHMOND, Ky. — Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) is leading the charge in preparing students for the future with its innovative Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) concentration, part of the university’s Bachelor of Science in Aviation program. Launched in Fall 2022, the UAS program is designed to equip students with the technological skills and hands-on experience needed for careers in one of the fastest-growing segments of the aviation industry.
“As the Commonwealth’s only four-year aviation program, we offer cutting-edge academic programs and educational experiences to meet the evolving needs of the workforce,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “The UAS concentration empowers our students to lead in the field and elevates our aviation major as a whole.”
EKU’s UAS concentration offers a comprehensive curriculum covering the diverse applications of drone technology across multiple industries—from agriculture to construction to law enforcement and beyond.
Dr. Derek Paulsen, dean of the College of Justice, Safety, and Military Science highlighted the accessibility of the UAS program, noting that the concentration has a much lower cost to students and the university than the professional flight concentration. The UAS concentration offers an opportunity for students to obtain a degree in aviation that will prepare them for rewarding and well-paying jobs created in the many professions now using drones.
For Jackson Beardsley, a junior from Richmond, Kentucky, the aviation major with the UAS concentration has provided him with a diverse set of skills and experience for a wide range of future career opportunities.
Dennis Sinnett, chair of EKU’s School of Aviation, and Thor Morrison, outreach specialist and adjunct professor with an extensive UAS background with public safety, have both been instrumental in supporting and expanding the UAS curriculum, Beardsley said.
Beardsley added that the UAS program is not just about flying drones. He said it’s about exploring different career paths and discovering the real-world applications of drones in hands-on scenarios.
“We learn about regulations and different career paths, from agriculture to public safety to construction,” said Beardsley. “Agriculture is a big interest of mine—you can scan the crops and assess their health using drones.”
By offering innovative education in drone technology, EKU is paving the way for students like Beardsley to soar into the future with confidence, equipped with the skills needed to succeed in an ever-evolving industry.
