President’s Watch

On the Rise

We’re setting our sights on the future of MMA

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MMA PRESIDENT
Jerald “Jerry” Paul ’89

AT THE START OF MY SECOND YEAR as President of Maine Maritime Academy, welcoming our students back to campus for the 2023–2024 school year held a special meaning to me. In August nearly 260 students from thirty-three states and six countries began their MMA experience as the Class of 2027.

In September we announced the $30 million, two-year improvement plan for renovations to Curtis Hall, Maine’s largest residential hall. This undertaking will vastly improve the student living experience through updated utility systems, windows, and individual room temperature control. This project has been wholly funded by the State of Maine.

Equally important as the Curtis Hall portion of our campus development is the imminent renovation of our pier in anticipation of the 2024 arrival of the new National Security Multi-mission Vessel III, TS State of Maine V. We are preparing adequate berthing that also meets industry and MARAD standards. This $60 million renovation will enable Maine Maritime Academy to offer access to, and training aboard, one of the most revolutionary vessels produced today. The technology and capabilities of TS State of Maine V will prepare this generation of mariners for the next generation of global challenges and opportunities at sea.

As we continue with   our vision to become the #1 Maritime Academy in the world, our trajectory towards it is On the Rise as outlined in the State  of the Academy report this past spring.

As you will see in this edition of Mariner, we are focused on delivering the most competitive academic experience for industry and workforce placement. Our Power Engineering Technology (PET) curriculum profiled within, showcases how Maine Maritime Academy is approaching the changing industry landscape. The Academy’s PET program is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET which directly demonstrates the rigor and worth of our program. A PET degree launches students into the workforce of renewable energy, preparing them for a future in industry-leading organizations.

Just as important as MMA’s leadership on new technologies and leading industries is our continued leadership in our core maritime offerings including our Tug and Barge training. This program, conceived by Admiral Edward Anthony “Ted” Rodgers, Superintendent of MMA from 1964 to 1984, was groundbreaking in the maritime industry. It was a direct answer to the leaders of corporations, large and small, who were calling for more specialized licensing and training. I hope you’ll enjoy reading more about the inception and the modern success of this program.

The entire maritime community is focused on the global “mariner shortage” that every aspect of the U.S. Merchant Marines is experiencing today. The importance of our work in the classrooms and at sea to introduce the greatest number of unlimited tonnage licensed mariners is paramount to the success of MMA. You can feel this theme through all that we do. Additionally, our programs in International Business & Logistics and Ocean Studies continue to provide students with opportunities to meet the growing demands of the maritime industry throughout sectors that go beyond shipboard service.

As we continue with our vision to become the #1 Maritime Academy in the world, our trajectory towards it is On the Rise as outlined in the State of the Academy report this past spring. Please join me in applauding the larger Maine Maritime Community for the incredible work happening in and around our campus.

Regards,
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