Merchant Marine Academy Superintendent Resigns

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood on Monday accepted the resignation of Rear Admiral Allen Worley, Superintendent of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, N.Y., effective Jan. 4, 2010.

“The Merchant Marine Academy has gone through an important rebuilding year and is positioned for reaching the next level,” said Secretary LaHood. “We are confident the Academy is on course to continue as the premier institution in maritime education. We appreciate Admiral Worley’s service.”

Admiral Worley served as superintendent of the Academy since November 2008. During his tenure, student fees were cut in half and an outside accounting firm was hired to improve finances. A panel of national experts examined the capital needs of the school and made recommendations for upgrading and improving educational opportunities for Midshipmen.

Dr. Shashi Kumar, academic dean and assistant superintendent for academic affairs, will act as interim superintendent upon Admiral Worley’s departure in January. A nationwide search will be conducted to find a permanent successor.

The Merchant Marine Academy, operated by the U. S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration, is one of the nation’s primary sources of licensed merchant marine officers and is renowned internationally for its maritime education and training programs.

Contact Thomas L. Gallagher at tgallagher@joc.com.