Three new degree minors are in the wings as Elizabeth City State University sets to expand its aviation offerings.

Flight, avionics and public aviation administration will join computer science, business administration and electronics as concentrations for the aviation science major in the coming years as ECSU works to transform itself into a regional magnet for all things airborne.

Brett A. Clark/The Daily Advance (ENLARGE)

Anthony Sharp, the newly named aviation director at Elizabeth City State University, sits in front of a flight simulator Sunday.

For Anthony Sharp, being here for the transition is a big part of what drew him to the university. Sharp, a Norfolk native, was hired in October as director of ECSU's aviation science program. He previously held a similar position at Ohio University, where he oversaw about 160 students and more than a dozen aircraft.

"I felt I could make a difference with this program," Sharp said. "This is a unique opportunity for a historically black college or university. I felt we could grow this program to be a national aviation education program."

According to Sharp, ECSU has been offering the aviation science major for years — the only University of North Carolina campus to do so. The major's current concentrations are geared toward aviation industry standards and prepare students for careers in that field.

Flight education, however, will enable students to become pilots and flight instructors. Sharp said students will be able to gain experience and receive their ratings and certifications without having to leave the university.

The avionics minor will allow students to become aircraft technicians, while the public administration minor will prepare students for careers at the Federal Aviation Administration or state agencies.

Sharp also said the university is looking to collaborate with College of The Albemarle to develop an aviation maintenance program. The "A&P" — airframe and powerplant — program would give COA students a chance to do repair work on aircraft flown by their ECSU counterparts. The program is one of several COA has considered in its long-range planning.

"Once we get these programs going and produce graduates, it then becomes attractive to other aviation companies," Sharp said.

Sharp said forging partnerships with those in the aviation field is vital to the success of the program. He said the university has met with the Coast Guard on numerous occasions and a university employee serves on the Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Airport Authority board of trustees.

Sharp also said the university has been in talks with TCOM about a possible internship program for ECSU students.

According to Sharp, how quickly the university can proceed with its aviation expansion depends on how quickly it receives funding to complete its aviation science center and purchase aircraft. He said ECSU is counting on the continued support of UNC General Administration.

On the whole, Sharp said he is impressed with the level of enthusiasm for aviation in Elizabeth City.

"I've worked in a number of states in the past," he said. "I've never been to one where people are so excited about the potential growth of aviation education."

Because Sharp believes the industry is going through a huge upswing, he urged students to consider career opportunities in aviation.