KINGS POINT, NY, April 26, 2023 — Today, the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) announced that the 35th Deputy Secretary of Defense, Dr. Kathleen H. Hicks, will deliver the 87^th commencement address on Saturday, June 17.

“The United States Merchant Marine Academy is extremely honored to have Deputy Secretary Hicks as the Class of 2023 Commencement Speaker,” said USMMA Superintendent Vice Admiral Joanna Nunan. “This year marks the Academy’s 80th anniversary. It is especially fitting to have Deputy Secretary Hicks discuss the continued importance of USMMA graduates to our nation’s defense.”

Dr. Hicks was sworn into office as the 35th Deputy Secretary of Defense in 2021. Prior to her appoint, Dr. Hicks held the position of Senior Vice President, Henry A. Kissinger Chair, and Director of the International Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.  She previously served as the Principal Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Policy and as the Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Forces.  Hicks holds a Ph.D. in political science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, an M.A. from the University of Maryland’s School of Public Affairs, and an A.B. magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Mount Holyoke College.

USMMA’s mission is to educate and graduate leaders of exemplary character who are inspired to serve the national security, marine transportation, and economic needs of the United States as licensed Merchant Marine Officers and commissioned officers in the Armed Forces.

###