University of Oklahoma Plans to Expand Its Aviation Facilities with Charitable Contribution from the Pigman Family

OK – The University of Oklahoma (OU) has one of the best-known and top-rated aviation schools in the United States. The university goes above and beyond to ensure that its facilities are up-to-date and that its programs help advance its new and future students in their studies and careers. Because of these great features of OU, it’s no wonder that the Pigman family decided to make a charitable gift to OU’s Max Westheimer Airport (OUN).

A New Hangar at OUN

The charitable gift from the Pigmans will go toward building a new hangar at Max Westheimer Airport. This is paramount to the airport and the university because they’ve recently purchased nine new aircraft and 19 refurbished aircraft to expand the fleet in their rapidly growing aviation program. From 2022 to 2023, the University of Oklahoma’s aviation program doubled its enrollment, increasing enrollment by 48 percent. OU hopes to enroll at least 600 students in its aviation programs in the next few years.

‘Lead On’ Fundraising Campaign

In 2022, the University of Oklahoma started its “Lead On” fundraising campaign. The goal of this campaign is to raise 2 billion dollars. Of the 2 billion dollars raised, $500 million is slated toward scholarships and student support, $300 million is earmarked to attract and retain brilliant faculty members, and $30 million is earmarked to develop and grow the aviation programs and facilities. The other goals of the fundraising event include building research centers and helping OU become a source of expertise, economic development, and advancement.

Pigman Family Charitable Fund

The Pigman’s charitable gift was part of the “Lead On” fundraising campaign, and it came from the Pigman Family Charitable Fund, which Reed Pigman and his wife, Pam Pigman, manage. Reed Pigman Jr is an OU alumnus who graduated from the university in 1972 with a degree in finance. Mr. Pigman went on to start Texas Jet Inc., which is located at Meacham International Airport in Fort Worth. Texas Jet Inc. is the executive terminal for private personal and business aircraft. Mr. Pigman started the business with two hangars in 1978. Today, it contains 24 hangars that span an impressive 500,000 square feet. Mr. Pigman comes from an aviation family. His father started the American Flyers in 1939. Today, it is a world-renowned flight school. With his deep roots in aviation, it’s no wonder Mr. Pigman wants to give back to his Alma Mater to help their aviation program flourish.

The University of Oklahoma couldn’t be more thrilled to have received this gift from the Pigmans. Their donation helps the university’s aviation department begin important expansion efforts to remain a pillar of the aviation community and continue instructing new and future aviation students.