Alumni Town Hall Highlights Academy Progress and Future Priorities

From the new training ship and waterfront improvements to enrollment growth, workforce initiatives, and alumni engagement, Academy leadership shared an optimistic outlook during the recent Alumni Town Hall.

More than 50 alumni joined Maine Maritime Academy’s Alumni Town Hall on September 10, 2026, to hear updates from President Craig Johnson ’91, Chief of Staff Shane Moeykens ’87, and members of the alumni relations team. The discussion highlighted significant progress across campus, major strategic initiatives, and opportunities for alumni to stay engaged with the Academy’s future.

STATE OF MAINE Completes Successful Inaugural Sea Term

One of the evening’s major highlights was the success of the Academy’s first Summer Sea Term aboard the new training ship STATE OF MAINE. After receiving the vessel in March, Academy faculty, staff, and crew prepared the ship for service in just six weeks.

The inaugural voyage carried more than 500 students and included ports of call in Galveston, Charleston, St. John’s, Fort Lauderdale, New York City, and Boston before the ship arrived in Castine. President Johnson praised the ship’s crew, faculty, staff, students, and alumni volunteers who helped make the voyage a success. The Academy will partner with California State University Maritime Academy for next year’s cruise, with plans currently focused on a European itinerary.

Major Campus Infrastructure Projects Moving Forward

President Johnson also provided updates on several major capital projects.

The Academy’s waterfront pier modernization project reached a key milestone this summer, allowing the training ship to berth in Castine. Phase Two is now underway, with completion anticipated next year. Special recognition was given to alumni Ed Scott ’89 and Jake Jacobs ’85 for their leadership and support throughout the project.

Renovations to Curtis Hall continue as well. While the project has temporarily reduced available housing, the work is expected to be completed by summer 2027, restoring approximately 200 additional beds to campus and enhancing the student residential experience.

Enrollment Momentum Continues

The Academy welcomed one of its strongest incoming classes in recent years.

Approximately 296 students arrived this fall, with more than 290 continuing after Regimental Preparatory Training. Overall enrollment opened the academic year at approximately 970 students, placing the Academy near campus capacity. With Curtis Hall renovations nearing completion and expanded housing options available in the future, the Academy is targeting continued enrollment growth.

Workforce Development and Brunswick Expansion

The Academy’s workforce development efforts remain a key strategic priority.

The Brunswick training center, operated in partnership with Bath Iron Works, now supports more than 100 apprentices, with significant room for continued expansion. In addition, Maine Maritime recently received a $10 million grant from the U.S. Navy through the Submarine Industrial Base initiative. The funding will support workforce development partnerships with organizations including Electric Boat, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, and Bath Iron Works.

Region 10 Technical High School has also joined the Brunswick facility, creating a unique environment where secondary and post-secondary workforce education exist under the same roof.

Nuclear Program Draws Strong Interest

Interest in the new Nuclear Engineering Technology program continues to exceed expectations.

The Academy has already received inquiries and deposits from prospective students, while the existing nuclear minor is generating considerable interest among current and prospective cadets.

President Johnson also highlighted a $1 million Department of Energy grant secured by Professor Paul Wlodkowski to help develop what is expected to become the nation’s first comprehensive maritime-focused nuclear curriculum. The effort includes collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard, Naval Reactors, the Department of Energy, the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), and other industry partners.

Investing in Student Success

Academy leadership discussed several initiatives designed to enhance student retention and success.

Plans are underway to transform the library into a comprehensive Student Success Center featuring peer tutoring, faculty support, and additional academic resources. The Academy has also hired its first Director of Student Success to coordinate retention efforts and help students overcome barriers to graduation.

Additional fundraising priorities include waterfront improvements, upgrades to marine science and sailing facilities, and long-term improvements to athletic facilities.

Alumni Engagement Remains a Priority

During the question-and-answer session, alumni and Academy leaders discussed several initiatives focused on strengthening alumni connections.

Shane Moeykens noted that many alumni are not currently receiving Academy communications because of outdated contact information or email subscription settings. In the coming months, alumni will be encouraged to update their contact preferences and reconnect with the Academy’s communications network.

Leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening class agent and chapter communications while continuing work on the upcoming alumni directory project.

The discussion concluded with reminders about Homecoming & Reunion Weekend, the Admiral’s Dinner in Houston on October 29, and the many ways alumni can support students and the Academy’s strategic goals moving forward.

Watch the full Alumni Town Hall recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cwFnAPmlsw

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