KINGS POINT, N.Y., September 24, 2015 – The Dean of United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) at Kings Point accepted a position to serve as Deputy Associate Administrator and National Coordinator for Maritime Education and Training at the headquarters of the Maritime Administration (MARAD), as announced today.

In October, USMMA Academic Dean, Dr. Shashi Kumar, will leave the Academy to start his new role, leading MARAD’s efforts to build a pipeline of future merchant mariners for our Nation, and working with State Maritime Academies to address the intersection between state and Federal maritime education, including training ship requirements. 

Dean Kumar announced, “after serving at the United States Merchant Marine Academy since January 2007 as the Academic Dean, and as Interim Superintendent three times, I am moving on to pursue other challenges.  Given my strong academic and maritime background, the Maritime Administrator has asked me to join the headquarters staff as Deputy Associate Administrator and National Coordinator for Maritime Education and Training. In October, I will begin to serve in my new role to lead MARAD’s efforts to build a pipeline of future merchant mariners for our Nation, and to work with State Maritime Academies to address their training ship requirements and other needs. 

“I thank my team of faculty and staff for their guidance, support, and professionalism in delivering a world-class education and achieving national recognition for retention, graduation, and placement. I also thank the Academy Alumni Association and Foundation and the National Parents Association for their support, and my recently bestowed Honorary KP Alumnus status.

“I wish continued success to all current and future USMMA classes and to the Academy leadership to steer thee well Kings Point.”

USMMA Superintendent, Rear Adm. James A. Helis, USMS, Ph.D., said, “even while he takes on his broader education responsibilities at MARAD, Dean Kumar will remain part of the USMMA family, and we look forward to his continuing advice and support for all that we do at Kings Point.

“We commend Dean Kumar for his accomplishments while serving at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy since January 2007 as the Academic Dean, and as Interim Superintendent on three separate occasions.  His commitment to delivering a world-class education has been an inspiration to the Kings Point faculty, staff, Midshipmen and alumni who have had the opportunity to work with him.  We are delighted that this new position will keep him, his talents and his passion for maritime education within the MARAD family, continuing to advance the interests of America’s maritime industry.

“USMMA thanks you Dean, for all that you’ve done, and for the role you are taking on for our Nation.”