(Vallejo, California – August 10, 2018) – David Taliaferro, former director of leadership development at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), is the new Commandant of Cadets at California State University Maritime Academy. 
 
At USMMA, Taliaferro also served as an adjunct professor and third mate and medical person-in-charge during training cruises. He led the effort to integrate leadership development into current academic curricula with a focus on improving student engagement and cross-functional collaboration.
 
"David brings energy, passion, and personal engagement that is critical to developing our students as leaders and citizens of the world," said Cal Maritime President Tom Cropper. 
 
Taliaferro will be formally introduced to the campus during morning formation on his first day – Monday, August 20.
 
Every undergraduate at Cal Maritime participates in the Academy's Corps of Cadets, an essential component of the leadership and professional development program. The Office of the Commandant is responsible for combining elements of the cadets' experience with intentional leadership development in order to create graduates who are recognized as leaders in their industry.  
 

Contact

publicaffairs@csum.edu

ABOUT CAL MARITIME
Established in 1929, California State University Maritime Academy is the only degree-granting maritime academy on the West Coast. Located in Vallejo, California, the campus offers undergraduate degrees that prepare students for careers in engineering, transportation, international relations, business, and global logistics. Cal Maritime also offers a master’s degree in Transportation and Engineering Management, as well as a number of extended learning programs and courses.