Sinclair and Miami University Partner to Focus on Student Transfer and UAS Industry

Sinclair College and Miami University signed a partnership on June 10 designed to leverage resources at both institutions with the purpose of creating new opportunities for student transfer in all disciplines and to leverage the resources of both institutions in the growing unmanned aerial systems (UAS) industry.  The signing ceremony took place at the Sinclair Conference Center.

Sinclair and Miami University are two of the largest educational providers in Southwest Ohio and nearly 1,500 students have transferred to and from Sinclair and Miami over the past three years. This agreement will focus on closer coordination of academic courses, programs and degrees in order to form stronger academic transfer pipelines for students and more seamlessly integrate between the two institutions.

The agreement provides the framework for Sinclair and Miami to build a partnership focused on aerospace and related technologies, including UAS, an emerging market being championed by the state as a keystone technology for economic development. Some components of the agreement include creating a pathway for Miami students to take UAS technical offerings through Sinclair's National UAS Training and Certification Center and the push for approved airspace access at the Miami University Airport and additional sites of mutual interest.

"This partnership with Miami is a great example of how we're working with some of the state's leading academic institutions to drive innovation," said Sinclair spokesman Adam Murka. "Our agreement will explore opportunities that advance training programs and support research and development for our state's growing UAS industry and in services for students across many disciplines."

Sinclair is in the process of adding to the National UAS Training and Certification Center at its Dayton campus following a $5 million investment that is being used to construct an indoor flying pavilion, new labs for testing, and expanded integration of advanced manufacturing capabilities through CNC machinery and 3D printing. The college is also developing G4 student services which will provide wraparound next-generations student support and work to reduce factors causing students not to complete degrees and credentials.