VALLEJO, CA — Today marks the beginning of Michael J. Dumont’s tenure as interim president of California State University (CSU) Maritime Academy. President Dumont welcomed the Training Ship Golden Bear back to Vallejo today alongside friends, families, faculty, and staff, officially marking his first day as Cal Maritime's 15th president.
President Dumont brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from business, law, policymaking, government service, and higher education, all of which speak to Cal Maritime’s unique needs and distinct role in the maritime industry.
“California State University Maritime Academy provides life-changing opportunities for graduates who go on to become leaders in the maritime industry and beyond,” said Dumont. “Cal Maritime is at the forefront and leading by example in its work to strengthen diversity, equity, and inclusion across the nation’s maritime academies and help meet the needs of our cadets, grad students, faculty, and staff from all backgrounds. I look forward to contributing to a campus where all are welcomed, respected, and empowered as they pursue their educational goals and professional aspirations with meaning and purpose.”
President Dumont’s appointment was previously announced in March by California State University (CSU) Interim Chancellor Jolene Koester and he will serve in this capacity until a new president is appointed by the CSU Board of Trustees.
Aside from service as a reserve military officer, President Dumont was a senior executive in several agencies of the Federal government. Earlier in his career he was a litigation attorney with a private law firm representing aviation and maritime businesses, municipal governments, and institutions of higher education. He later served with the U.S. Department of Justice where he handled aviation and admiralty litigation before leading major white-collar criminal investigations. Since leaving government service, Dumont has served as a strategy consultant to higher education and the tech sector.
His teaching experience includes having served as a military instructor pilot and as an instructor for the National Advocacy Center, the National College of District Attorneys, and the Virginia Commonwealth’s Attorneys’ Services Council. He has also been a guest lecturer at several colleges and universities across the country and abroad.
President Dumont earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Maine, a Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School, a Master of Science from the National War College, and a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.
READ PRESIDENT DUMONT's bio HERE
read President Dumont's first message to the Cal Maritime Community here
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.