Excellence award presented for USMMA Strategic Plan

CAPT Peter Kahl , Dr. David Dellwo and two midshipmen, First Classmen Nicholas Cerny and John Homola travelled to Washington, D.C., where they accepted the Partnering for Excellence Award on behalf of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Strategic Plan Steering Committee. "The Academy will see a lot of great things happening as the plan is implemented," said Midshipman Homola, 1/C. "It was awesome to be part of the team and process."

The award presented by Secretary Ray LaHood recognizes the "leadership and significant contributions in developing the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy's Strategic Plan."

"We are very grateful for the time and attention provided by the faculty, staff and midshipmen who participated in the campus surveys, campus outreach sessions, goal teams, and Steering Committee," said Secretary LaHood. "The strategic plan is a reflection of their ideas and recommendations, and I am sure it will guide the Academy toward an even brighter future."

Plan Moves to Implementation Phase

The plan, which was unveiled by the Academy Superintendent, Rear Admiral James A. Helis, last August, has recently moved into its implementation phase. Helis stated "I am very impressed by the dedication of our entire Academy community. Most Steering Committee members continue to serve on newly formed implementation action teams, and working with their colleagues, are contributing in a very tangible way to the Academy's long-term success." For a full list of honorees, please see the following link: insert here

The implementation action teams have been meeting since early September to develop work plans to meet the recommendations and performance measures of the Strategic Plan. On October 26, 2012, an initial USMMA Strategic Implementation Plan draft was presented to Admiral Helis at a joint-team leaders meeting to review short, mid and long term actions. Action teams are already addressing activities in the areas of maritime partnerships, curriculum, service and leadership, accountability processes, external communications, Academy development, diversity, midshipmen health and wellbeing, and campus pride.

Captain Susan Dunlap, the Academy's new Deputy Superintendent, will manage the day-to-day oversight of the Strategic Plan implementation.