![\"Paul](\"\/mariner\/issue2-2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2022\/12\/jp-kristy.jpg\")
President Paul with wife Kristy.<\/p><\/div>\n
After graduating from MMA, he studied nuclear engineering at the University of Florida and practiced as a reactor engineer at commercial nuclear plants. He then graduated from law school and started practicing law in 1995, during which time he also served as an elected member of the Florida legislature where he chaired subcommittees on appropriations and environmental regulation.<\/p>\n
Appointed by the President of the United States in 2004 to run the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) as its COO and Principal Deputy Administrator, Paul oversaw the agency\u2019s nuclear nonproliferation programs, defense nuclear facilities, and the U.S. Naval reactors program. His principle responsibilities were preventing the illicit spread of nuclear materials, technology, and expertise, managing the agency\u2019s $10 billion budget, and overseeing both national laboratories and field offices worldwide. NNSA\u2019s sense of mission\u2014not to mention the responsibilities that came with it\u2014have shaped the lens through which Paul sees much of what happens at MMA.<\/p>\n
When first approached regarding the search for a new president, Paul couldn\u2019t help but wonder what it would feel like to visit MMA with the perspective gained through his career. He saw intersections of his past and MMA\u2019s future everywhere. \u201cDuring my time at NNSA, the driving force was being a part of something that really mattered, not only on a large geographic scale, but in diplomatic relations with countries worldwide. This was a post-9\/11 world with technological and resource threats to America. That challenge provided extraordinary motivation for a role that was far greater than just a job,\u201d reflected Paul.<\/p>\n
When Paul and his wife began discussing a return to Castine, he reflected on the importance of state maritime academies and their role supporting America\u2019s strategic interests. He is quick to relate the importance of teamwork to the regimental leadership program at Maine Maritime Academy. \u201cThe core mission that makes MMA different from other colleges is that we\u2019re producing licensed mariners that America needs for its maritime interests, including its national security. It\u2019s worth doing. It matters.\u201d His oft-repeated refrain is \u201cWe ARE Mariners. We MAKE Mariners. We are THE Mariners.\u201d Creating mariners is a hot topic among the maritime industry. MMA is answering the increasing demands from Congress and the U.S. Maritime Administration to produce more licensed mariners.<\/p>\n
When asked how these new offerings will help students prepare for a future beyond their time in Castine, Paul is bullish on the shipping industry. \u201cWe\u2019re on the precipice of what may be the greatest era in U.S. maritime history. I\u2019d also argue that we can be on the precipice of what could be the greatest era for Maine Maritime Academy,\u201d he said. When asked to state his vision, he does not hesitate in stating that MMA can become \u201cThe #1 Maritime College in the World.\u201d<\/p>\n
That enthusiasm appeals to Alumni Association President Bill Full. \u201cThe alumni are certainly excited to have fellow alumnus Jerry Paul leading the Academy,\u201d said Full. \u201cWith his experience, enthusiasm, and energy, we know that, working together, we can face the challenges and capture the opportunities to make the future for MMA a bright one.\u201d<\/p>\n
The thoughtful vision for what current students will need to enter a future maritime workforce was important to Maine Maritime\u2019s Board Chair Jason Oney \u201996. \u201cIt is critically important for any leader to understand what their operational needs are. Jerry went above and beyond\u2014even before he arrived on campus\u2014to familiarize himself with Maine Maritime\u2019s strengths, challenges, and opportunities\u2014internally and externally.\u201d<\/p>\n
As the global maritime industry focuses on reducing the environmental footprint of nearly 50,000 ships active on the seas, the International Maritime Organization is beyond mere suggestions of best practices and good ideas. There are mandated rules with aggressive targets to reduce the carbon footprint significantly within short periods of time. As Paul explains, \u201cThese rules are now driving a tremendous amount of investment in the private sector to figure out what technologies can help us do that. Concepts range from low-sulphur diesel fuel to ammonia to fuel cells. Liquefied natural gas will probably transition to methanol. All require a technology development to which MMA can contribute and the type of hands-on training that is the MMA brand.\u201d<\/p>\n
In reference to MMA\u2019s Ocean Studies program, Paul poses a question. \u201cIf we are going to use two-thirds of the world\u2019s surface\u2014oceans\u2014to transport goods and services, can we be better stewards of the oceans themselves? For example, our ocean studies programs have a unique role researching and developing methods for decarbonization.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cInternational business and logistics is a field for which MMA\u2019s curriculum prepares our students,\u201d continues Paul. \u201cThroughout the pandemic many people discovered the impact that supply chain backlogs had on daily life. But MMA students are at the forefront of these challenges. The impact of logistics and how we move products from factory to the doorstep went from being an insider\u2019s game to an everyday concern that everybody now values.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is critically important for any leader to understand what their operational needs are.
\nJerry went above and beyond\u2014even before he arrived on campus\u2014to familiarize himself with Maine Maritime\u2019s strengths, challenges, and opportunities\u2014internally and externally.\u201d<\/p>\n\u2014MMA Board Chair Jason Oney \u201996<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\nDiving into the academic offerings with an eye toward preparing the next generation of Mariners hasn\u2019t been JP\u2019s only goal. He\u2019s paying attention to MMA\u2019s culture. He refers to \u201cThe Mariner Standard\u201d as a high regard for honor, respect, integrity, and leadership. It\u2019s the belief that working towards a common goal with mutual respect creates better outcomes. He applies this concept of respect to ensuring that the campus culture has equal access, equal opportunity, and respect for the diversity of all persons regardless of gender, race, religion, or national origin. This effort matches the increased awareness of these topics in the industry overall and he hopes that MMA students will be leaders on these topics.<\/p>\n
Paul\u2019s examples in leadership cascade into his relations with student leaders as well. RC MTO Samuels offered, \u201cI have been immensely grateful for President Paul\u2019s commitment to his student leaders. He often checks in, gives advice, and has made it clear he cares about what I\u2019m doing by constantly offering his help. I know I can talk to him about what I\u2019m working on and what my long-term goals are. We touch base on what the two of us can do together to make MMA the best college experience possible for those who attend here. It means a lot to me knowing he has my back and is interested in helping me become the best leader I can be.\u201d<\/p>\n
As active as Paul is on campus, he remains aware of MMA\u2019s important relationship with Castine. \u201cAs an alum I am certainly proud of MMA\u2019s 80-year history. But the town of Castine has been here for 400 years and it has lived through many cycles. Castine always finds a way to rise to a new level and I feel personally that we are entering one of the best phases for Castine. Kristy and I feel fortunate to be here and play a role.\u201d He also says that it is a source of pride to see Castine leverage its history by once again producing a new ship, the National Security Multi-Mission Vessel, on its waterfront.<\/p>\n
Paul states that MMA truly is different. He becomes animated as he explains a \u201cget it done\u201d attitude that is intrinsic to the Maine culture and to the core of the Academy. During his recent convocation address, he quoted MMA\u2019s 2022 MMA Scholar Athlete Claire Felix, who said, \u201cWe\u2019ve all found a way to do it. That\u2019s what being a Mariner is all about.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGreeting students as I walk the path between Leavitt and the waterfront or from the mess hall to a classroom, having a quick breakfast or lunch with a student, or joining students on a sail out to Holbrook Island\u2014that\u2019s the good stuff. That\u2019s the best part.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
He\u2019s passionate about direct interactions with students, and as a former MMA student, feels a deep connection with them. He draws energy from immersion within their ranks. \u201cMy favorite part of the job is the students themselves. I experienced some of that with Ken Curtis [11th MMA President, former Governor of Maine, and MMA alumnus]. He was a joy to watch in action throughout campus. I sensed that he wasn\u2019t just doing it as part of the job, but that he thoroughly enjoyed being with students.\u201d The same will likely be said for JP, who is often found among the undergraduates, learning about their work, their challenges and their joys, their student experience, or just the kind of day they\u2019re having. During the recent \u201cship jump,\u201d after going first into the water, he stayed at the water\u2019s edge and personally greeted each student until the last had finished. \u201cWe spoke about the importance of engagement and being a part of what happens on campus. It is something I know Jerry has been passionate about and is actively doing, both in town and at the school, and it shows,\u201d reflected Vagt.<\/p>\n
A young Jerry Paul in uniform from his MMA yearbook.<\/p><\/div>\n
\u201cWell, I have thoroughly enjoyed that aspect here, quite frankly, more than any other,\u201d says JP, who regularly visits classrooms to see students and faculty firsthand. \u201cGreeting students as I walk the path between Leavitt and the waterfront or from the mess hall to a classroom, having a quick breakfast or lunch with a student, or joining students on a sail out to Holbrook Island\u2014that\u2019s the good stuff. That\u2019s the best part.\u201d\u2588<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ON A BRISK SEPTEMBER MORNING the newly planted grasses are still wet on Leavitt Lawn as students assemble for muster in the Logan Oakley Field House. There\u2019s one figure who\u2019s been up and hammering away at his computer since before dawn and is now making his rounds, shaking hands with cadets as they take formation. Maine Maritime Academy\u2019s 15th President Jerry S. Paul (\u201cJP\u201d to all who know him) has just begun his first academic year in the top post at the Academy. To be found among the students and supporting them is not a rarity for JP. If asked, it would likely be one of the first goals of his day and it doesn\u2019t go unnoticed. \u201cHe is highly respected among the campus as someone we know to be incredibly candid and authentic. He loves to hear from the students about what is going on in their lives,\u201d said Natalie Samuels, Regimental Commander, Marine Transportation Operations, class of \u201923.<\/p>\n
While the incoming freshmen are new to MMA, JP is not. A 1989 alumnus, he arrived in April 2022 to assume his new role. Between selection and investiture, he spent months meeting with everyone from students to alumni to staff\u2014nearly 400 meetings in all. His goal? A listening campaign that would give him a quick start on his newest challenge. His approach drew praise from Bobby Vagt, former president of Davidson University in North Carolina. \u201cOne of the things that impressed me right off the bat, having been in his shoes, is that he got two things right from the beginning. He expressed absolute positivity about the institution\u2019s future, and he had no pretense that he had all the answers.\u201d Vagt and his wife,<\/p>\n
![\"Jerry](\"\/mariner\/issue2-2022\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2022\/12\/jp-yearbook.jpg\")