Camden, Arkansas-August 17, 2022- Governors Asa Hutchinson and Kevin Stitt joined in an announcement of an MOU between the states (Arkansas and Oklahoma) to create a national hub for advanced mobility.

The MOU establishes a partnership to support the growth of advanced mobility, including drones, electric vehicles, battery manufacturing, transportation and logistics solutions, research and testing space, support for local advanced mobility start-up companies, and more to create an advanced mobility hub. The partnership brings Oklahoma State University -Tulsa Helmerich Research Center, the University of Oklahoma, the University of Tulsa, and the University of Arkansas, together with Walmart, QuikTrip, JB Hunt, Tulsa Community College, Northwest Arkansas Community College, Holberton School Tulsa, Southern Arkansas University Tech (SAU Tech), military installations, and others into an agreement to work towards building a nationally recognized area for the forward movement of advanced mobility.

Referring to SAU Tech as an Aerospace Defense Manufacturing Center of Excellence, the Governor's press release recognized SAU Tech as a vital partner in this effort. In addition to offering training in automated robotics, SAU Tech also meets the need for cybersecurity training and mechanical and industrial engineers as the development of advanced mobility moves forward. The collaboration comes on the heels of the creation of the Arkansas Future Mobility Council creation earlier this past spring. As a member of the Council, SAU Tech's Chancellor, Dr. Jason Morrison, stated, "This latest effort to bring Arkansas to the forefront of creating a hub for advanced mobility production through a partnership between Arkansas and Oklahoma is exactly the right move. With the vast academic and research resources in both states and the already existing training programs at community colleges such as SAU Tech, this is a great opportunity to do something innovative and forward-thinking for our nation."

Read the full press release here https://www.nwahomepage.com/news/gov-hutchinson-stitt-partner-for-advanced-mobility.

To learn more about SAU Tech's designated Aerospace Defense Manufacturing Center of Excellence, visit https://www.sautech.edu/manufacturing.