RUSTON, La. — Louisiana Tech University and the Air Force Sustainment Center have formalized a partnership aimed at building a pipeline of skilled workers for Air Force civilian roles in logistics, engineering and sustainment operations.
The agreement, signed through a memorandum of understanding during a March 23 event at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma, establishes collaboration between the university and the Air Force Sustainment Center on workforce development and applied research.
The partnership focuses on preparing graduates for careers in aircraft sustainment and logistics readiness, with emphasis on fields including business management, finance, human resources, procurement, propulsion, STEM disciplines and supply chain management.
Louisiana Tech officials said the initiative aligns academic programs and research capabilities with Air Force operational needs, while expanding career pathways for students into civilian defense roles.
“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,” said university President Jim Henderson. “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.”
Lt. Gen. Jennifer Hammerstedt, commander of the Air Force Sustainment Center, said the collaboration is expected to support long-term mission readiness.
“Partnering with Louisiana Tech is an exciting opportunity that will help shape the future of Air Force readiness,” Hammerstedt said. “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.”
The agreement also includes opportunities for faculty engagement and research translation, particularly in advanced manufacturing and sustainment technologies.
“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 Warren Ward, executive director of the Louisiana Tech Research Institute.
University officials said the partnership will provide students and faculty with increased exposure to real-world defense challenges while supporting workforce needs in national security and related industries.