On March 23, 2017, Southern Illinois University (SIU) delegation, led by President Randy J. Dunn visited SAU. Chairman Wang Wei, Executive Vice President Chen Baodong, and Vice President Wang Qi received the delegation. 

Both parties briefed on the overall situation of each institution and discussed about aviation development and employment market. Besides, both parties believed that previous exchange has established a platform for further collaboration. In the future, more substantial collaborations on teaching, research, teachers and students exchange will be established. The two parties signed a collaboration agreement on joint program in aviation engineering.

During the visit, the delegation visited facilities like General Aviation Institute, UAV Lab Center, and Civil Aviation Lab accompanied by Vice President Wang Qi. Deans from IEC, Innovation College, Aerospace Faculty and College of Electronic and Information Engineering also attended the meeting.