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Wing members first graduates in program

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  • By 76th Maintenance Wing Training Office
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., --   Fifteen members of the 76th Maintenance Wing recently became the first graduating class of a Master's Degree program in Aerospace Administration and Logistics that was given in partnership with Southeastern Oklahoma State University here.

The 76th MXW's training office began the program to offer employees, GS-11 and above with management capability and a bachelor's degree, a chance to further their education in a way that is directly related to Tinker business, said Michelle Jack, program analyst for the 76th MXW training office.

The partnership with SOSU was formed because it is one of only two Aviation Accreditation Board International accredited universities in Oklahoma with a graduate program in aviation. Southeastern is the only school in the country to have accredited aviation programs offered at three locations, the main campus in Durant, Tinker AFB, and the Oklahoma City Community College John Massey Center, said Ms. Jack.

The 15-month program allows the participants to be competitive in the workforce, career and personal growth, and the completion of a Master's-level degree program.

"Tinker is committed to transformation efforts and the program requires the participants to complete a transformation project that would benefit Tinker business. Tinker's return on investment is huge by educating it personnel in Aerospace Administration," Ms. Jack said.

Another 15-month program began Oct. 13. It consists of 12 classes, totaling 36 credit hours. There are six eight-week sessions with two classes per session.

"The program focused on academics, applied knowledge and research," Ms. Jack said.

The graduates are: Kevin Cook, Carl Garcia, Brian Gilliam, Steven Hellums, Thomas Helsley, William Hudson, Devin Jaworsky ,Lee Jones, Linda Kenyon, Karl McCausey, Caroline Moore, David Painter, Jason Pude,r Joe Starwalt and Steven Stoner.