JACKSONVILLE, AL — Jacksonville State University and Sanders Flight Training Center have received approval from the Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE) to offer instruction for the university’s Bachelor of Science in Aviation at Sanders Flight Training Center in Jasper beginning this fall.
The approval, granted during ACHE’s June 12 meeting, authorizes Sanders Flight Training Center as an official non-exempt off-campus instructional site for Jax State’s Bachelor of Science in Aviation. The approval allows instruction for the Commercial Aviation concentration to begin at the Jasper location in Fall 2026. Because the site is outside the university’s designated service area, approval from ACHE was required before classes could begin.
“This approval represents another important step in bringing Jax State’s Aviation program to life,” said Dr. Christie Shelton, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. “From the beginning, our goal has been to build a program that combines a strong academic foundation with exceptional flight training. This approval allows us to deliver that vision in partnership with Sanders Flight Training Center, providing students with the academic instruction, flight training and real-world experience they need to succeed.”
Jacksonville State announced its partnership with Sanders Flight Training Center earlier this year to provide FAA Part 141 flight instruction for students pursuing the Commercial Aviation concentration. Under the new approval, students will complete both aviation coursework and flight training at the Jasper facility as part of their degree program.
Jessica Sanders Walker, president of Sanders Aviation and Sanders Flight Training Center, said the approval marks a significant milestone for both organizations.
“We are incredibly honored to partner with Jacksonville State University to expand aviation education in our region,” Sanders Walker said. “The Alabama Commission on Higher Education’s approval of an off-campus instructional site in Jasper is a significant milestone—not only for Sanders Flight Training Center and Jacksonville State University, but for the entire Walker County community and Alabama.”
According to the university, the partnership provides students with a pathway to earn a four-year degree from Jacksonville State while completing FAA Part 141 flight training in Jasper. Officials say the program is intended to expand access to aviation education, strengthen Alabama’s aviation workforce and create additional opportunities for students pursuing careers as professional pilots.
“This partnership creates a true professional pilot pathway, allowing students to begin their flight training with Sanders Flight Training Center while earning a four-year degree from Jacksonville State University without leaving our community,” Sanders Walker said. “By bringing an institution of this magnitude to Jasper, we are increasing access to higher education, creating opportunities for students in our area and across the state, strengthening our workforce, and supporting the continued growth of Alabama’s aviation industry.”
Founded in 1996, Sanders Flight Training Center is an FAA Part 141 flight school that provides structured flight instruction and advanced aviation training. The Jasper campus will serve as the primary instructional site for Jacksonville State students enrolled in the Commercial Aviation concentration.
In its approval, ACHE noted that Sanders Flight Training Center has the FAA certifications, aircraft, instructors, maintenance support and specialized facilities needed to deliver the Commercial Aviation curriculum. The commission also recognized the partnership’s role in expanding educational opportunities in a growing workforce field.
Jax State’s Bachelor of Science in Aviation offers concentrations in Aviation Management, Commercial Aviation and Public Safety Aviation. Students enrolled in the Commercial Aviation concentration complete coursework and flight laboratories leading toward FAA pilot certifications as part of the degree program.
