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Tennessee Tech showcases programs at major Army aviation conference

Five individuals smile and give a 'Wings Up' hand signal at a conference trade show booth. — Representatives from Tennessee Tech University give a 'Wings Up' gesture at the the 2026 Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA) conference. From left: Bethany Smith, assistant director for corporate relations in the College of Engineering; Johnathan Rich, recruitment specialist for the College of Engineering; Ayla Whittaker, recruitment specialist for the College of Emerging & Integrative Studies; Lizzie Lewis, director of recruitment and retention for the College of Education & Human Sciences; Dalen Prince, administrative services coordinator for the College of Education & Human Sciences.

Representatives from Tennessee Tech University recently attended the 2026 Army Aviation Association of America annual event in Nashville, Tennessee.

Military branches, engineering firms and manufacturers from around the world gather each year at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center to showcase the latest innovations in aviation during the three-day event.

From individual components such as propellers and rotors to full-scale airplanes, helicopters and drones, AAAA provides universities with opportunities to engage with emerging technologies and leaders in the aviation industry.

The event also serves as a networking environment for universities, manufacturers and military leaders, supporting graduate job placement opportunities and university outreach efforts.

Ayla Whittaker, recruitment specialist for Tech’s College of Emerging and Integrative Studies, said the conference offered valuable visibility for the university and its academic programs.

“AAAA provides a powerful environment for university reach. The programs that Tech offers are on display alongside the work of leading minds in engineering and aviation, creating a unique opportunity for outreach to and from Tennessee Tech,” said Whittaker.

A woman wears large goggles in front of a screen while taking part in an aircraft simulation. — Bethany Smith, assistant director for corporate relations in the College of Engineering takes part in an aircraft simulation at the Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA) conference in Nashville.

In addition to the College of Emerging and Integrative Studies, representatives from Tech’s College of Education and Human Sciences and the College of Engineering also attended the event.

Founded in 1957, AAAA is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to representing the interests of Army Aviation. The organization includes 82 chapters worldwide and more than 20,000 members representing active-duty military personnel, reserve components, government civilians, retirees, industry partners and affiliated organizations. Learn more at www.quad-a.org/.