SEMO University, Ohio community college ink drone partnership

Southeast Missouri State University and a Dayton, Ohio, community college have formed a partnership on aerospace technologies, including unmanned aircraft systems or drones, university officials said Friday.

Southeast and Sinclair Community College plan to work together in the areas of education, workforce training and development and applied research, university officials said in a news release.

Southeast president Carlos Vargas-Aburto said the new partnership �underscores our commitment to provide innovative academics that launch extraordinary careers.�

Jim Peterson, assistant professor in Southeast�s department of polytechnic studies, said Sinclair is �a leader� in aerial/aircraft systems initiatives.

The two schools will explore ways to connect Sinclair�s technical certificate and academic programs of study with Southeast�s bachelor�s-degree program, the university said in the release.

The collaboration will pave the way for Southeast and Sinclair to lead research and development in aerial applications for agriculture, first-responder missions and other areas.

Crystal Jones, director of Southeast�s Economic and Business Engagement Center, said skilled graduates are needed in the drone industry.

The economic impact of �drone integration in Missouri� through 2025 is expected to reach nearly $1.6 billion, creating nearly 2,000 jobs that will generate about $10.4 million in tax revenue, Jones said, citing a report by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International.

�This partnership between Southeast and Sinclair, combined with the strong local business relationships each institution cultivates, will harness this emerging market and leverage regional development and growth,� Jones said.

mbliss@semissourian.com

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Sinclair Community College, Dayton, Ohio