Middle Georgia State University and Museum of Aviation Foundation Announce Partnership Focused on Education and Community Engagement

Author: Sheron Smith
Posted: Monday, June 30, 2025 12:00 AM
Categories: Students | Faculty/Staff | Pressroom

Macon, GA

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Middle Georgia State University (MGA) and the Museum of Aviation Foundation are launching a new partnership designed to strengthen educational outreach, community engagement, and innovation throughout the region. 

Leaders from both organizations formally signed the partnership agreement on June 30 at MGA’s Center for Middle Georgia Studies, located on the first floor of the Macon Campus Library. Representing the Museum of Aviation Foundation was Dan Rhodes, president, and representing MGA was Dr. David Jenks, provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs.

The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to educational experiences, especially in STEM fields, while leveraging the resources, facilities, and expertise of both institutions. 

"Partnering with the Museum of Aviation aligns perfectly with MGA’s mission to serve as a hub for innovation and educational opportunity,” Jenks said. “By working together to offer programs like the Robotics Educator Camp, we are not only strengthening STEM education for teachers and students but also building pathways to careers in high-demand fields in Warner Robins, Macon, and the Middle Georgia Region. We’re excited to support this shared vision for regional growth and lifelong learning."

The scope of the partnership includes: 

  • Joint community engagement activities and outreach initiatives 
  • Internship and volunteer opportunities 
  • Staff training and professional development 
  • Access to and sharing of STEM kits, educational materials, and advanced technologies 
  • Trained educators for camps and workshops 
  • Collaborative events and projects 

An example of the partnership already in action is the Educators STEM Camp, held June 16–17. The camp welcomed Macon-Bibb teachers and their students for hands-on learning centered on robotics. As the partnership develops, both organizations plan to share updates on expanded programming and new collaborative initiatives aimed at enhancing educational access and outcomes across the region. 

MGA’s Center for Middle Georgia Studies is an intellectual and creative enterprise designed to leverage expertise among University faculty and staff to partner with other community entities and take on some of the region’s issues and challenges. 

The Museum of Aviation Foundation is a chartered nonprofit that supports the Museum of Aviation, located next to Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins. The facility includes four climate-controlled exhibit buildings, which house over 90 historic U.S. Air Force aircraft, missiles, cockpits, and award-winning exhibits.