A Message from the President

January 12, 2026

Maritime College Family,

Happy New Year and welcome back!

As we begin the Spring 2026 semester, I am proud to welcome you back to the Peninsula of Opportunity. Each new semester brings renewed purpose and energy to our campus, and it is always a privilege to see our community come together again. To our new students, faculty, and staff — Welcome Aboard. I am also pleased to welcome students joining us from Turkey, Taiwan, and Bangladesh whose presence further strengthens Maritime College’s global reach and perspective.

We enter 2026 from a position of strength, growth, and momentum, powered by optimism and belief in our mission. This past year brought record enrollment growth, and we are continuing to make progress in this area with a 20% increase in applications for the 2026–2027 academic year. These results are clear signs that Maritime College’s reputation, relevance, and impact continue to rise, reflecting the confidence that students, families, and partners place in our institution and in the value of a Maritime College education. At the same time, we have made significant campus improvements, investing in our facilities and infrastructure to enhance the academic experience, student life, and the overall strength of our campus.

Looking ahead, this year is about building on the energy we have created. We will continue the development and advancement of our strategic plan, moving deliberately from vision to execution. This plan serves as our voyage plan, guiding decisions, aligning priorities and resources, and ensuring Maritime College remains positioned for long-term success, growth, and world-class leadership in maritime education.

This semester will also bring several key moments for our community to come together. I encourage you to mark your calendars for Winter Commencement on January 23; the Tomb Leadership Lecture on March 10, featuring The Great Boat Lift; Accepted Students Day on April 18; Giving Day on April 21–22; Spring Commencement on May 8; and the departure of Empire State for Summer Sea Term on May 12.

I remain deeply optimistic about our future, and I hope you do as well. The work ahead will require thoughtful collaboration, bold thinking, and a willingness to challenge ourselves to be better in every area of the institution. Our goal is clear: to remain the world’s foremost maritime educational institution, setting the global standard for training, innovation, and leadership development for the maritime workforce of tomorrow. I am confident that we are on the right path and fully capable of achieving this vision. The dedication, talent, and commitment across our campus community and the entire Maritime Nation continues to set Maritime College apart and position us First and Foremost in maritime education and the global maritime industry.

Thank you for your continued dedication to our College and to our mission. I wish each of you a successful and productive start to the semester, and I look forward to engaging with you throughout the months ahead.

With utmost respect and admiration,
Rear Admiral John A. Okon ’91, USN (ret)
"Students First – Maritime Always"