Maritime Administrator Rear Admiral Ann Phillips visits Texas A&M University at Galveston    

Texas A&M University at Galveston welcomed Rear Admiral Ann Phillips, Administrator for the Department of Transportation Maritime Administration (MARAD) to campus on Tuesday, April 4, 2023. As the Maritime Administrator, Phillips is responsible for the country’s waterborne transportation operations. Part of MARAD’s mission is to develop the maritime industry of the United States to meet the nation’s economic and security needs; the education that Galveston campus students receive prepares them to do exactly that.

While on campus, Phillips met with cadets from the Texas A&M Maritime Academy and university leadership, and toured both the campus and the Galveston channel. “RADM Phillips’s visit was a great opportunity to learn about the Maritime Administration’s role in the lives of mariners and beyond, as well as how it is adapting to better suit the modern industry,” said cadet Tyler Heffernan ‘25, one of the student leaders that met with Phillips. “Having the opportunity to talk to someone who has such a large influence on our campus was incredible and an amazing opportunity to highlight what our campus has to offer.”

Chief Operating Officer and Superintendent of the Texas A&M Maritime Academy Col. Michael Fossum joined Phillips throughout her visit to campus. “As one of only six state maritime academies in the country, our university consistently graduates impressive industry leaders,” he said. “Thank you to Maritime Administrator Phillips for joining us on our campus and working hand in hand with the university to educate the future of the maritime industry.”