Louisiana Tech University and the Air Force Sustainment Center (AFSC) formalized a new partnership during a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing event held March 23 at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
The partnership is designed to create a pipeline of highly skilled graduates prepared to contribute to the Air Force Civilian Service in aircraft and warfighter sustainment and logistics readiness.
The Louisiana Tech delegation included University leadership and faculty from the College of Engineering and Science (COES) who participated in briefings, facility tours, and strategic discussions with AFSC leadership throughout the two-day visit. Dr. Henry Cardenas, professor of Mechanical Engineering, and Dr. Erica Murray, research associate professor in the Institute for Micromanufacturing, accompanied Col. (ret.) Warren Ward, executive director of the Louisiana Tech Research Institute and Louisiana Tech University President Dr. Jim Henderson.
“Louisiana Tech has been a long-time partner of our warfighters in every branch of the military, but none more than the United States Air Force,” President Henderson said. “The opportunities awaiting our faculty and students through the AFSC are immense. The missions and expertise of AFSC and Louisiana Tech could not be in better alignment."
The MOU outlines a shared commitment to strengthening pathways for students into Air Force civilian careers, particularly in areas critical to business management, finance, human resources, procurement, propulsion, STEM, supply chain management, and workforce development.
“Partnering with Louisiana Tech is an exciting opportunity that will help shape the future of Air Force readiness,” said Lt. Gen. Jennifer Hammerstedt, commander of Air Force Sustainment Center. “The University is well versed in defense initiatives, and we are looking forward to collaborating with their students and faculty to not only enrich their academic experience but also advance our mission to fly, fix, and fight.”
“By aligning our research capabilities with Air Force priorities, we are creating new pathways to support mission readiness while expanding applied research and workforce opportunities for our students,” said Ward.
Murray emphasized the impact on faculty and students. “New doors for faculty and students will be opened to engage directly with real-world challenges in advanced manufacturing and sustainment,” she said. “It also creates opportunities to translate research into practical applications while preparing students for impactful careers in national defense and related industries.”
About the Air Force Sustainment Center
The Air Force Sustainment Center is a global leader in aircraft and warfighter sustainment,
providing logistics, maintenance, and supply chain capabilities that ensure mission
readiness for the United States Air Force.