PHOTOS: Capito Celebrates Announcement of Marshall University’s Partnership with BETA

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), visited Marshall University’s Bill Noe Flight School to celebrate the announcement of Marshall University Division of Aviation’s partnership with BETA Technologies. Senator Capito has been a consistent supporter of Marshall’s flight school and has made several visits over the years. BETA Technologies is a leading aerospace and defense company in the U.S., manufacturing electric aircraft systems and charging infrastructure. Marshall University’s partnership with BETA will focus on electric aircraft workforce development and training, cargo transport, intelligence gathering, medical transport, and helping prepare students for a diverse career in aviation. “It is great to be here today in Charleston to celebrate the announcement of Marshall University’s partnership with BETA Technologies,” Senator Capito said. “Marshall University Division of Aviation sets the standard for aviation education, and I have been proud to support them in their mission to foster high-quality aviation and talent right here in West Virginia. This collaboration will have an immense impact on the future of aviation, and I look forward to seeing the many benefits it will bring to our state.” This is a milestone moment for Marshall University Aviation as we look toward the future of aviation," Brad D. Smith, President of Marshall University, said. "Our aviation program is not solely about teaching students to fly; it is about preparing them to lead in one of the world's most dynamic and essential industries. This groundbreaking announcement is a testament to what can happen when Marshall brings the right people together and turns bold ideas into action. Kudos to everyone who made today's announcement with BETA Technologies possible." "Investing in this complete technology ecosystem establishes Marshall University as an early adopter and regional leader in advanced air mobility education," Bill Noe, Chief Aviation Officer at Marshall University Aviation, said. "By embedding electric propulsion, thermal management and modern flight controls directly into our flight and maintenance programs, we are ensuring our graduates are ready to lead the aerospace industry into the future while driving economic opportunity across Appalachia." On Wednesday, Senator Capito announced a $2,502,000 Congressionally Directed Spending award to Marshall University’s Aviation Program that will aim to increase capacity at Marshall University Aviation with additional training tools and equipment. Learn more here . Photos from the event are included below: U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) celebrates the announcement of Marshall University’s partnership with BETA Technologies in Charleston, W.Va. on Friday, October 9, 2026. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) celebrates the announcement of Marshall University’s partnership with BETA Technologies in Charleston, W.Va. on Friday, October 9, 2026. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) celebrates the announcement of Marshall University’s partnership with BETA Technologies in Charleston, W.Va. on Friday, October 9, 2026. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) celebrates the announcement of Marshall University’s partnership with BETA Technologies in Charleston, W.Va. on Friday, October 9, 2026. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) celebrates the announcement of Marshall University’s partnership with BETA Technologies in Charleston, W.Va. on Friday, October 9, 2026. # # #