Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) Annual Meeting hosted at Ohio State
Back: Strzempkowski, Maureen R. McFarland (associate dean academic affairs, Kent State University)
Front: Stephanie Fussell (lecturer, Kent State University), Michael Gaffney (director/assistant professor, Southeastern Oklahoma State University)
July 13-16, 2021, the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI), the official accrediting body for all collegiate aviation, held its Annual Meeting at The Ohio State University. Hosted this year by the university’s Center for Aviation Studies (CAS), the in-person gathering convened leaders from academia, industry and other organizations to conduct AABI’s core business of accrediting institutions and to discuss relevant topics in collegiate aviation.
AABI Board of Trustees member Shannon McLoughlin Morrison, who serves as assistant director of academics and program assessment at CAS, said the meeting was a success. “I think everyone was glad to be back in person, to be able to meet and discuss important topics in aviation education.”
AABI, headquartered in Opelika, Alabama, organized leadership meetings, educational sessions, discussions, networking opportunities, awards banquet and more for the two-day event. Over 100 attendees from across the globe took part in the conference held at The Blackwell Inn and Conference Center on Ohio State’s campus and via virtual platforms.
CAS personnel not only attended the conference, but also supported event planning and execution. In addition to Morrison’s role on the AABI board, other center affiliates participated by leading discussion during a town hall meeting, facilitating a guided tour of Ohio State’s campus, serving on panels and giving a keynote presentation.
“The OSU Aviation team was really excited to be able to host the AABI Annual Meeting this year,” said Morrison. “We believe in the value of accreditation to the student experience, so having the opportunity to host this organization for their annual meeting is something we are proud of.”
CAS Assistant Director Brian Strzempkowski commented on the experience. “The AABI Annual Meeting is always beneficial because it provides an opportunity for educators and industry professionals to discuss opportunities and challenges that we all face,” he said. “It is a very collaborative event, and everyone is there for one purpose: to improve the student experience by preparing them to work in the aviation industry.”
A highlight of the conference was the Ohio State campus tour focused on aviation. Co-developed and -led by Strzempkowski, the tour led attendees on a two-mile journey including the landmark Ohio Stadium and historic Orton Hall, showcasing developments in Ohio State’s longstanding aviation and aerospace programs along the way.
Plans for next year’s Annual Meeting – to be held in Knoxville, Tennessee July 11-15 – are already underway. Those interested in learning more may visit the AABI website for information: http://www.aabi.aero/.