SAN ANGELO, Texas — Angelo State University and the Air Force Sustainment Center (AFSC) at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) and an education partnership agreement (EPA) to create paid internship and other employment opportunities for ASU students at AFSC locations, as well as new research and learning experiences for students and faculty on campus.
The AFSC has more than 41,000 military and civilian personnel at multiple locations charged with sustaining weapons system readiness through world-class depot maintenance, supply chain management and installation support. The AFSC provides critical sustainment for the Air Force's most sophisticated weapons systems, including the latest in fighter, bomber, reconnaissance, tanker, transport and rotary aircraft.
The internships will provide ASU students the opportunity to actively apply their academic knowledge through practical experience under the mentorship of seasoned military and civilian professionals. They will also expose the students to a variety of government service careers as they learn how civilians can help support the mission of military bases.
Internship areas will include, but are not limited to:
- Business management and finance
- Human resources and personnel programs
- Procurement
- Propulsion
- Supply chain management
- Workforce development
- Education and training
When they complete their internships and graduate from ASU, students may be eligible to apply for, or be placed in, open vacancies within the AFSC where they interned. If no local vacancies are available, the students may be helped with applying for vacant positions at other Air Force installations.
"The Air Force Sustainment Center will be another outstanding partner for Angelo State, providing unique opportunities and new career pathways for our students," ASU President Ronnie Hawkins Jr. said "Our students will greatly benefit from these internships as they will have the potential opportunity upon graduation to accept a job at more than 30 different locations nationwide to serve our country in a civilian capacity. This program will have a huge impact on the lives of the participating students, as well as on Angelo State's national and global reputation."
Recruiting for the first round of internships begins immediately. The agreement for the internship program will run through the 2026-2027 academic year and is eligible for extension.
The EPA agreement will also provide opportunities for AFSC laboratory personnel to participate in science, engineering and mathematics educational outreach on behalf of ASU, including:
- Teaching courses on campus
- Developing science, engineering and mathematics course materials
- Enlisting ASU students and faculty in collaborative defense laboratory research projects
- Providing networking and professional development opportunities for ASU students
- Providing academic and career advice to ASU students
- Arranging tours of AFSC facilities and labs
- Identifying additional internship opportunities
Additional entities included in the EPA agreement that may provide participating personnel include the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex and the Engineering and Technical Management Directorate.
"This agreement will open up many new research opportunities for both our students and faculty, as well as enhance our teaching and research capabilities on campus," Dr. Don Topliff, provost and vice president for academic affairs, said. "Our students will also be exposed to new career options and potential pathways, and our faculty will be able to collaborate with other professionals in their respective fields. This program will also significantly increase Angelo State's presence outside of our region."
The EPA agreement for research and educational outreach will run through the 2028-2029 academic year and is eligible for extension.
