Cal Poly Maritime Academy, Vallejo, Calif., has named Eric C. Jones, a retired Coast Guard rear admiral, as its new superintendent, effective July 1.
As the administrative leader and chief academic officer of the academy, Jones will oversee the academy’s merchant mariner license-track programs, training vessels, the Corps of Cadets, port facilities, and other associated programs.
Jones joins Cal Poly following more than 35 years in the U.S. Coast Guard, having served as assistant commandant for human resources and commander of the Seventh District. Jones is a graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, holds a master’s degree from MIT, and is a fellow of Harvard’s National Preparedness Leadership Initiative and MIT’s Seminar XXI on Foreign Policy and International Relations.
In November, the California State University Board of Trustees approved the integration of Cal Poly and California State University Maritime Academy "to build on Cal Poly’s strong track record in admissions and enrollment; unite two institutions that share a hands-on, immersive educational approach; and create administrative efficiencies," according to Cal Poly.
The two universities will begin operating administratively as one, effective July 1, under the leadership of President Jeffrey D. Armstrong. Academic integration will continue over the following year, with the first Cal Poly Maritime Academy students enrolling in Fall 2026.
“This is a significant step forward in a process that will enhance Learn by Doing, strengthen maritime education in our region and bolster student success for all current and future Cal Poly and Cal Poly Maritime Academy students,” said Michael J. Dumont, interim president of Cal Maritime.
