The Georgia Aerospace & Defense Alliance (GADA) yesterday announced the Georgia Institute of Technology, the University of Georgia, Kennesaw State University and Georgia Southern University have joined Mercer University as academic members of the statewide Alliance, marking a major expansion of Georgia’s unified approach to aerospace and defense workforce development. 

The addition of the state’s four public engineering schools brings unprecedented alignment between industry and higher education, strengthening Georgia’s ability to meet rising demand for highly skilled talent and expanding the pipeline for engineers, technicians and research leaders across the aerospace and defense sectors.

“This is a transformational moment for GADA and for the state of Georgia,” said Jay Neely, chairman of the Georgia Aerospace & Defense Alliance. “Bringing all of USG’s engineering schools into the Alliance creates the kind of unified front that sets our state apart. Industry needs highly skilled engineers, and universities need direct engagement with employers. This partnership delivers both, ensuring Georgia remains a national leader in aerospace and defense.”

The expansion builds on GADA’s founding mission to unite industry, government and education leaders in support of Georgia’s second-largest industry and No. 1 export category. The aerospace and defense industry contributes more than $57.5 billion annually to the Georgia economy and supports more than 200,000 jobs statewide.

“With the state’s four public engineering institutions now joining forces with Mercer under the Alliance, Georgia is taking a bold step forward in building the workforce our aerospace & defense industry will rely on for decades,” said William D. Underwood, president of Mercer University. “GADA was intentionally housed at Mercer to support statewide collaboration, and today’s announcement reflects the kind of partnership that will keep Georgia competitive, innovative and resilient in a rapidly evolving global industry.”

With the addition of Georgia Tech, UGA, KSU and Georgia Southern, GADA now represents the full breadth of Georgia’s engineering education ecosystem. This expanded academic coalition will allow industry partners to work more closely with faculty and students, accelerate research and innovation, and help build a stronger statewide pipeline of aerospace and defense talent. 

GADA will work with the newly added institutions to advance joint research initiatives, streamline talent pathways, and strengthen collaboration between academic programs and major industry employers across the state.