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Drew Allen brings over 20 years of military aviation expertise to FSU’s multimillion-dollar regional research and innovation center.
Florida State University has appointed aerospace pioneer and distinguished test pilot Drew Allen to lead its impactful project, InSPIRE — the Institute for Strategic Partnerships, Innovation, Research, and Education.
InSPIRE aims to transform Northwest Florida into a center for aerospace and defense innovation. The institute is dedicated to applied research, high-speed aerodynamics, advanced manufacturing, and building a robust STEM workforce.
Allen comes with over two decades of military aviation experience and a notable record in defense research and collaborations. He previously served at the Oklahoma Aerospace and Defense Innovation Institute, where he assisted in securing more than $50 million in federal contracts and formed alliances with over 25 aerospace and defense firms within just two years.
InSPIRE connects university research to industry demands and includes alliances with prominent regional entities like the Bay Economic Development Alliance, Florida’s Great Northwest, and the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport.
Triumph Gulf Coast, a nonprofit that oversees economic recovery funds from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, is a significant supporter of InSPIRE. It contributed $98.4 million in grant funding for the initiative. FSU plans to invest another $65 million over the next ten years and aims to raise over $235 million in external grants.
“InSPIRE is how we’re assisting Northwest Florida in leading innovation and providing top talent for the expanding aerospace and defense sectors,” stated FSU President Richard McCullough. “Drew’s experience is an excellent fit for directing this initiative.”
Allen, a former U.S. Air Force commander and the only pilot to qualify in every modern USAF fighter jet — the F-15, F-16, F-22, F-35, and F-117 — has led teams of thousands while managing budgets exceeding $1 billion.
He will commence his role on June 1, succeeding founding director Farrukh Alvi, who will remain at FSU as Senior Associate Provost and continue to engage with InSPIRE’s Advisory Council and research efforts.
“Drew offers precisely what InSPIRE requires at this moment,” remarked FSU Vice President for Research Stacey Patterson. “He knows how to connect with defense and industry stakeholders, secure funding, and launch new facilities.”
Allen expressed his gratitude for the opportunity.
“This sector is vital and personally significant to me,” Allen remarked. “I eagerly anticipate collaborating with the team to further InSPIRE’s mission and influence.”
About FSU InSPIRE
The Institute for Strategic Partnerships, Innovation, Research, and Education (InSPIRE) is propelling advancements in aerospace and advanced manufacturing. At the heart of this endeavor are committed partners uniting to establish Northwest Florida as a national innovation hub, spurring regional economic development. Demonstration facilities are underway for complete production, aero-testing, and immersive STEM training. Local, regional, and national members of an industry alliance are integrating employees at InSPIRE, collaborating with researchers and faculty from FSU, its partners, and business and community leaders to innovate and implement aerospace, defense, and energy solutions, while providing practical learning opportunities for students and aspiring engineers in Northwest Florida. FSU InSPIRE was initiated with an initial grant from Triumph Gulf Coast, Inc. Discover more at inspire.fsu.edu.
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