On Tuesday, MTSU and Delta Air Lines will celebrate MTSU alumnus Colton Gray becoming the first pro pilot major to graduate into the Delta Propel program. His graduation represents the university’s ongoing partnership to bring qualified students into the accelerated program to fill a growing industry need for pilots.

In 2018, MTSU entered a partnership with Delta to encourage qualified pro pilot majors to pursue a defined, accelerated path allowing candidates to earn their flight certifications, build their experience and meet all requirements to become a Delta pilot in 42 months or less.

29-Year-old Colton Gray, a 2018 MTSU graduate and veteran, is the first pilot who will transition into flying for Delta in the coming months.

Delta announced a little under 4-years ago, that they planned to hire more than 8,000 pilots between 2018 and 2028. The new pilots will not only be replacing current pilots reaching retirement age, but also supporting Delta's planned growth in its fleet and network.