Our History – 1988

North Central Institute (NCI) was founded by Dr. John McCurdy in Clarksville, Tennessee in 1988.  NCI is a privately-owned institution located directly across from Gate 1 of Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

Dr. McCurdy retired from the US Army after 27 years of loyal service to his country including two tours in Vietnam. During that time, he earned 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 3 Bronze Star Medals, 32 Air Medals, one with Valor device, and many more meritorious recognitions throughout his tour of duty. He earned his Doctorate of Education from Toledo University.

Dr. McCurdy applied his talents and knowledge to the establishment of an institution dedicated to helping members of the Fort Campbell and Clarksville communities to pursue higher education and professional goals. Dr. McCurdy established scholarships, promoted sportsmanship throughout the community, donated to and volunteered for local charities and events. He forged paths of excellence and success for private post-secondary schools in Tennessee and encouraged others to participate and continue the spirit of involvement and improvement for our local schools and businesses. The impact of such an influential figure in our community is immeasurable. Dr. McCurdy’s actions resonate throughout the world, as each NCI graduate pursues a career in aviation maintenance.

2014

In 2014, Dr. McCurdy enlisted his daughter, Tamela McCurdy Taliento, as co-owner to oversee the daily operations. Since Tamela had been engaged in the institute operation from its inception, she was prepared to embrace her new leadership role. Together, they applied their knowledge and talent to establish an institution dedicated to helping members of the Fort Campbell and Clarksville communities pursue higher education and professional goals.

The McCurdys established scholarships, promoted sportsmanship throughout the community, and donated to and volunteered for local charities and events. They forged paths of excellence and success for private post-secondary schools in Tennessee and encouraged others to participate and continue the spirit of involvement and improvement for our local schools and businesses. The impact of such influential figures in our community is immeasurable. Their actions resonate throughout the world, as each NCI graduate pursues a career in aviation maintenance.

2023

In the summer of 2023 the McCurdy family entrusted SkyWarrior Aviation Academy, a Tennessee LLC, to acquire NCI and continue Dr. McCurdy’s legacy. SkyWarrior Aviation Academy (SAA) is a veteran-owned small entity whose focus is to prepare the next generation aviation professionals. SAA was founded by veterans whose experience in post-secondary education combined with training pilots and mechanics over the last thirty-five (35) years is forging a career path for a diverse aviation workforce. SAA and NCI are managed by Lamar Haynes, Managing Member and CEO.  Tamela Taliento continues to serve in her leadership role as NCI’s President and Chief Operating Officer.

NCI continues to be a veteran friendly organization offering training that meets the needs of our servicemembers. NCI recognizes the sacrifices servicemembers make to serve our country and we take pride in serving them through the transition to the civilian sector. Most of the NCI team members are veterans or a veteran family.

NCI’s partners, SkyWarrior Flight Training, Pensacola Florida, CAE-USA, Delta Tech Ops and others are vital in providing opportunities for NCI students to pursue an aviation career. Our graduates are supporting the aviation sector by ensuring aircraft are maintained and safe to transport commuters across the globe.

Watch this space as we train women and men to think critically, grow professionally and positively impact the future of air travel.