Elizabeth City, N.C. — Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) officially broke ground today on its highly anticipated School of Aviation Building—a 57,000-square-foot, three-story, state-of-the-art facility that will support ECSU’s Aviation Science, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Emergency Management programs.

The groundbreaking ceremony at 23 Science Drive on ECSU’s campus marked a milestone for the university’s flagship Aviation and Emergency Management. Elected officials, industry leaders, community partners, ECSU faculty, staff, students and alumni gathered to celebrate what many called a pivotal step in the university’s legacy of preparing students to lead in the skies and beyond.

Set to begin construction in late summer 2025 and slated for completion by summer 2027, the facility is designed to be a comprehensive learning hub, featuring high-tech classrooms, state-of-the-art simulators, collaborative learning spaces and cutting-edge technology.

“This groundbreaking for the new Aviation Building marks a new chapter for ECSU and represents our commitment to innovation, student success and aviation. ECSU is expanding the runway for opportunity — not just for our students, but for the entire region and state. We are proud to lead the way as the only institution in the UNC System with four-year Aviation and Unmanned Aircraft Systems degree programs,” said ECSU Interim Chancellor Catherine Edmonds. 

Features of the center include:

  • A 4,900-square-foot indoor drone facility with a sky bridge connection to the main academic building
  • A large drone operations lab and expansive engineering lab
  • A two-story, 3,400-square-foot flight simulator room
  • A 2,000-square-foot air traffic control lab, including a 940-square-foot mezzanine simulating a control tower
  • Multiple high-tech classrooms for virtual instruction and computing
  • Flexible classroom spaces, student and faculty lounges, an aircraft etiquette lounge and conference rooms
  • A third-floor conference room with an outdoor terrace offering views of the campus

Once completed, the Aviation Building will stand as a cornerstone for ECSU’s mission to drive workforce development, increase access to STEM education, and meet the growing demand in aviation and aerospace industries.

The new facility will also help expand ECSU’s partnerships with government agencies and industry leaders, reinforcing the university’s reputation as a leader in aviation science—particularly as the only four-year institution in the UNC System offering a degree in Aviation Science. 

“This is a defining moment for our aviation program,” said Kuldeep Rawat, dean of the School of Science, Aviation, Health and Technology. “We are not just breaking ground on a building—we are propelling ECSU Aviation to take over the skies and position it as one of the top collegiate aviation programs in the nation.” 

ECSU’s Aviation School is already fueling excitement among current and prospective students and positioning the university as a national model for aviation education, training and research.

“None of this would be possible without the steadfast support of the North Carolina General Assembly, federal representatives, UNC Board of Governors and UNC System, and our industry and community partners. Their commitment to ECSU, to northeastern North Carolina, and to the future of aviation in our state, is the fuel behind this progress,” said Edmonds.

For more information on ECSU’s aviation programs, visit www.ecsu.edu.