Shashi Kumar is currently dean of United States Merchant Marine
Academy.
By Raif Karerat
An Indian American has been appointed as head of the U.S. Maritime Administration’s education and training wing, overseeing the federal organization’s efforts to expand the Merchant Marine program — a fleet that carries imports and exports during peacetime and becomes a naval auxiliary unit during wartime to deliver troops and war materials.
Shashi Kumar, currently dean of United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York, has been appointed Deputy Associate Administrator and National Coordinator for Maritime Education and Training at the headquarters of the Maritime Administration (MARAD).
Kumar, who graduated from Indian Maritime Academy with a masters from the Maine Maritime Academy and a Ph.D from the University of Wales, will embark in his new role come October.
“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,” Kumar stated, according to the Press Trust of India. “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,” he continued.
Prior to joining USMMA, Dr. Kumar was the founding Dean of the Loeb-Sullivan School of International Business and Logistics at Maine Maritime Academy, reported News India Times. He earned an unlimited Master Mariner (U.K.) certificate of competency and sailed extensively before entering academia. His areas of teaching and research include Maritime Economics, International Business Logistics, and Maritime Logistics. He is a founding member of the International Association of Maritime Economists and the International Association of Maritime Universities, and an Educator Member of the American Society of Transportation and Logistics.
USMMA Superintendent Rear Adm. James A Helis had nothing but praise for the appointment, according to the Indo-Asian News Service.
“[Kumar’s] 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,” he stated. “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.”