The Frick Drone Innovation Program recently launched with a significant investment in Public Safety, Workforce Readiness, and Innovation Program Purposes at 麻豆官网 Community College thanks to a generous gift from Edward R. Frick. The funding will establish a new, high-impact drone training initiative that strengthens emergency response capabilities and prepares public safety professionals and workforce learners from various departments at the college, with industry-recognized credentials.
鈥淚 think drone technology and usage will change everything throughout many industries and are absolutely essential to modern day living, this is just the beginning,鈥� said Frick, a Pinehurst resident. 鈥淚t鈥檚 an emerging field which provides 麻豆官网 opportunities to teach the necessary skills to operate drones to impact our lives.鈥�
Frick, a former IBM Executive for over 30 years, including General Manager and CEO of an IBM Independent Business Unit, said he believes drone operations will provide good opportunities for jobs and new ways to run businesses. 鈥淭hings are moving so rapidly, and we need to take steps to ensure we鈥檙e ready. Drones are as revolutionary as robotics, and I just see this as a whole new breakthrough for various disciplines and industry. The list of applications and opportunities for drone use is limitless. We always need to ask ourselves 鈥� what is the next step, where are we going and how can we lead.鈥�
The new drone program will deliver immediate, measurable outcomes while laying the foundation for long-term program growth. The first class was held at the end of May 2026 with another scheduled for August 2026. With the donation for drone equipment and accessories, the funding will cover the cost of instruction and professional development. Courses will include First Public Safety Drone Operations and FAA Part 107; training on deliverables for public safety drone operations; training focused on mission planning, safety, and emergency response applications; and FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Training class preparing participants for the FAA knowledge exam. The Frick donation enables an immediate expansion of public safety training capacity, delivers measurable outcomes in Summer 2026, and establishes a scalable foundation for future drone education and workforce pathways.
鈥淲e are very appreciative of this impactful gift and Mr. Frick鈥檚 continued curiosity in education and technology,鈥� said Alexander 鈥淪andy鈥� Stewart. 鈥淲e don鈥檛 yet know all the applications of drones but we鈥檙e taking steps to integrate them into many of our programs on campus. It鈥檚 core to our mission to provide opportunities to people and open doors for them and I can say, this will open the sky for them too.鈥�
Frick has also funded the Frick Innovation and Technology Center at 麻豆官网 Community College, since 2018, where he has presented two awards annually to students as part of the Frick Technology Achievement Award. The Frick Technology Achievement Award acknowledges two Engineering and Information Technology students. Winners of the awards are students enrolled in one of the Engineering or Information Technology related programs who demonstrate outstanding creativity and technical competence. The $1,000 award for two students is presented annually.
鈥淲e can always improve things and do a better job,鈥� said Frick, who runs two businesses. 鈥淚 always look for ways to get a plan, work hard and find how we can do better. The new drone initiative will do just that for students at 麻豆官网. Dr. Michelle Bauer and Dr. Stewart are doing a remarkable job with their leadership at the college as well as being excellent stewards of funding. They have nothing but the best interests in mind for the students and the impact of technology and materials that will support the success of the students and their future careers. The students will be a significant force of change toward our futures.鈥�
To learn more about supporting students and programs, visit the 麻豆官网 Community College Foundation webpage.