LeTourneau University Hosts Prospective Engineering and Aviation Students
Published 5:40 am Tuesday, October 27, 2026
A group of aspiring engineers and pilots from 18 states gathered in Longview, Texas, this weekend to explore the programs offered by LeTourneau University (LETU). The event attracted high school seniors interested in engineering and aviation, who toured the main campus and the Paul and Betty Abbott Aviation Center at East Texas Regional Airport on Saturday.
Dr. Steven Mason, president of LETU, expressed enthusiasm for the diverse representation, noting, “Out of these 144 students, we have 18 states represented including California, Oregon, and Washington, all the way to New York and down to Florida.” He highlighted the university’s strong job placement rates, as well as its engineering and aviation programs, both ranked in the top 100 in the United States. LETU’s aviation program is the only comprehensive aviation program in Texas, providing training for both pilots and flight mechanics.
Mason attributed the university’s success to its focus on faith formation on campus. “The Bible says ‘from Him, through Him, and to Him are all things,’ so it’s important to understand what God’s plans are for the industry of aviation, for human flourishing, for serving God and neighbor,” he said, emphasizing the incorporation of a Christian perspective into all programs.
Michael McGinnis, Dean of Engineering, encouraged students to view engineering as an expression of love. “I would love for (students) to understand that engineering is more than just math and science,” he stated. He believes that engineering can reflect a vocation rooted in love for God and others.
Mechanical engineering professors Jo Lin Gowing and Chad File aim to make learning engaging, utilizing wind tunnels to teach principles of aerodynamics. “The best way to test how strong something is is to break it,” said Dr. Daryl Low, a civil engineering professor, explaining his hands-on approach to teaching.
Katy Day, assistant vice president of marketing and communications at LETU, emphasized the university’s commitment to practical education, stating that “practical” is the key word she wants associated with the institution.
Prospective aviation students met with David Tesser, dean of the Aviation and Aeronautical Science Department, at the aviation center. Tesser noted that students have access to 28 aircraft for both flying and maintenance training. Visitors had the opportunity to observe current students during flight demonstrations around the airport.
The Aviation Center is currently undergoing expansion, expected to be completed in fall 2027, which includes the addition of a 16,000-square-foot hangar and five new laboratory spaces.
Current students at Saturday’s event highlighted the importance of faith in their educational experience. Elliot Spangler from Indiana shared, “I wanted a quality engineering education that was rooted in faith,” while senior mechanical engineering student Lauren Morset from Colorado cited hands-on learning and faith-based education as her reasons for choosing LETU. Morset has a pending job offer in aerospace defense, noting the university’s effective career fair connections with potential employers.
