Maine Maritime Academy has returned to a prominent role within the International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU), serving a two-year term on its International Executive Board (IEB) in 2025 and 2026. The Academy is representing the regions of North and South America on the IEB as the head of the Financial Committee.

Maine Maritime Academy was among seven institutions of higher education that founded IAMU in 1999, which now has 75 members from countries throughout the world. However, until recently, the Academy had largely disengaged with the international body.

Waldron was the fastest of the delegates to raise her country’s flag. Photo Courtesy of AMET University

The Academy is one of nine members currently serving on the executive board, which held its first bi-annual meeting of 2025 in Chennai, India in April. MMA Chief Financial Officer Janet Waldron represented the Academy on the IEB as chair of the Financial Committee, a role in line with her expertise, and represented the Academy admirably during board discussions while in session.

Waldron earned the respect, praise, and gratitude of other delegates on the board, which was chaired by Dr. Shan Hongjun, President of Dalian Maritime University, China. The remaining members of the board included Dr. Takeshi Nakazawa, IAMU Executive Director, and delegates from meeting host AMET University, India, World Maritime University, Sweden, Liverpool John Moores University, England, Constanta Maritime University, Romania, University of Dubrovnik, Croatia, and University of Split, Croatia, which will host the IEB meetings in 2026.

Delegates at the IAMU International Executive Meeting in Chennai. Photo Courtesy of AMET University

The formal session of the IEB meeting took place throughout the day on April 9 and 10. The board debated grant proposals, member applicants, 2024 IAMU key events, the IAMU budget, and, importantly, the future objectives of the organization.

Executive Director Nakazawa sought counsel from board delegates, who made arguments regarding potential institutional priorities for the organization moving forward. Nakazawa expressed appreciation for the Academy’s renewed engagement with IAMU in recent years.

Maine Maritime Academy Professor and Marine Transportation Chair Ender Asyali’s proposal to formally incorporate industry representation within the institutional framework of IAMU was considered, recommended by the IAMU Secretariat, and approved by the board during the meeting.

In October 2025, AMET University will host the IAMU Annual General Assembly (AGA) and second IEB meeting. The AGA is an opportunity for faculty, administrators, and students of maritime colleges to present research, debate policy, gather in various working groups, share best practices, discuss emerging technology and its impact on the maritime sector, and a host of other topics affecting the maritime industry and maritime education.

Engaging with the IAMU Secretariat and member institutions has been recognized as a priority for the Academy; participating in IAMU events is an unparalleled opportunity to engage with a global cross section of leadership in maritime education to mutual benefit.

IAMU Secretariat Executive Director Nakazawa encourages the increased involvement of the Academy as an institution as well as the administration, members of the faculty, and its students.

President Craig Johnson with Nippon Foundation Chairman Yōhei Sasakawa in Tokyo at an extraordinary meeting of the IEB. Photo Courtesy of IAMU Secretariat

Speaking about Maine Maritime Academy’s participation in IAMU activities, Maine Maritime Academy Chief Financial Officer Janet Waldron stated, “It is clear that IAMU is positioned to increase its important leadership work internationally in meeting the growing demands of the maritime base to ensure a highly trained and adaptable workforce. The opportunities for MMA students, faculty, and staff through this alliance are significant.”

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