KINGS POINT, N.Y., April 10, 2023 - Rear Admiral Susan Dunlap, USMS, will leave the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) in July, after more than ten years as the Deputy Superintendent, the first woman to hold the position. Rear Adm. Dunlap will continue on with the Maritime Administration (MARAD) as the MARAD Emory S. Land Chair of Merchant Marine Affairs in the Joint Military Operations Department at the United States Naval War College.

Rear Adm. Dunlap managed day-to-day operations of the Academy, including overseeing infrastructure, maintenance, information technology, public safety, human resources, procurement, finance, and the sexual assault prevention and response programs. On two occasions, she performed the duties of the Superintendent: after the departure of the 12^th Superintendent and again for six months following the retirement of the 13^th Superintendent. 

Over her tenure, Dunlap directed numerous special projects. She drafted the annual Report to Congress on Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment for eight years. She wrote additional reports to Congress as well as white papers, Superintendent Instructions, Superintendent Notices, and Standard Operating Procedures. She also led the composition of the Return of Midshipmen Plan that guided the safe return of midshipmen to the Academy after they had been sent home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.      

Rear Adm. Dunlap led important infrastructure and facilities improvements to enhance the academic learning environment and ensure the safety and comfort of midshipmen, faculty, and staff. She oversaw the installation of a donated Wartsila controllable-pitch propellor in the McCready Steam Engineering Lab. She also guided the purchase of two operational oily water separators (OWS) and worked with an Engineering Department design team to contract for installation of the OWS completed in 2017. More recently, she managed the transition from the failing Kewanee boilers in Fulton Hall through a temporary boiler and the eventual installation of four new, energy-efficient boilers in November 2022.

Dunlap has been deeply committed to the success of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPRO). She developed policies and procedures to help guide Academy response and prevention efforts. Every summer, she kicked off sexual assault prevention and response training for the incoming Plebe class. She guided the Academy through two Office of Inspector General (OIG) audits of the program and led the Academy’s effort to implement OIG recommendations to improve the program. 

During her tenure, she also served as the Chair of the Deputy Superintendent Management Council, Gift and Memorials Board, Emergency Operations Task Force, Tuition Assistance Committee, Holiday Party Committee, and the Sea Year Committee.  She also served as Chair of the Graduation Committee and, in that capacity, she planned and executed nine graduations. 

Dunlap has had a direct and positive impact on the Academy’s infrastructure and support programs. She also worked tirelessly to expand equity at the Academy and served as a role model for midshipmen, faculty, and staff. As a result of her superior leadership, outstanding professionalism, and deep devotion to duty, the Academy is positioned to educate and graduate leaders of exemplary character for years to come.

A national effort to recruit the Academy’s next Deputy Superintendent is underway.