SPC Names Larry Canion as 2026 Minnie Stevens Piper Nominee

St. Philips College (SPC) is proud to announce Professor Larry Canion as its 2026 Minnie Stevens Piper Nominee.

Professor Canion began his educational journey after seeing a commercial promoting an aviation program in San Antonio, which led him to pursue an Associate of Applied Science in Aviation Maintenance from Hallmark Institute of Technology. He later earned his Federal Aviation Administration airframe and powerplant licenses and became the first in his family to earn a college degree and pursue an aviation career.

After completing his credentials, he worked at an airport in Lockhart while serving in the Texas National Guard, where he gained full-time experience working on helicopters. He later transferred to the Army Reserve in Conroe, continuing his aviation maintenance work before retiring from military service in 2003 and returning to the Gonzales area.

Professor Canion continued his education, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration in management from Texas A&M University-San Antonio. He later returned to Hallmark College to teach aviation maintenance before launching his own training business, Canion Aviation, in 2015. Through the company, he prepared students for FAA written, oral, and practical examinations for more than six years.

Throughout his aviation career, he has worked on several helicopter models, including the R-22, Bell 206/OH-58A/C, Bell UH-1, Bell 412, AH-1S, AH-64A, UH-60A, and BO-105CBS. He also has experience maintaining multi-engine and single-engine reciprocating airplanes, including Cessna and Piper aircraft.

Since 2019, he has served as Assistant Professor and Program Director for the Aircraft Technician Program at St. Philip’s College. He is known for emphasizing hands-on instruction and real-world applications to prepare students for aviation careers.

Student course evaluations frequently highlight his commitment to student success and engaging teaching style. College leaders and students describe him as dedicated to advancing aviation education and supporting student achievement.

“I love teaching,” Professor Canion said. “It lets me shape lives, not just lessons. I help others discover who they are and what they can do. I have a passion for aviation, and it is rewarding to see where students go in this industry.”