VALLEJO, CA –California State University Maritime Academy (Cal Maritime) Professor Amy Parsons and Associate Professor Sarah Senk have been awarded a $245,000 grant from the Teagle Foundation. This grant will fund the implementation of a new General Education pathway (Gen Ed) program, “Proteus,” designed to integrate humanities-based inquiry within the technical and professional curriculum at Cal Maritime.

The Teagle Foundation’s “Cornerstone: Learning for Living” initiative supports innovative approaches to revitalizing General Education. Cal Maritime’s Proteus Program aims to bridge the gap between specialized maritime education and the humanistic values inherent in a well-rounded academic experience. By fostering a comprehensive and integrated curriculum, The Proteus Program will provide students with the critical thinking and ethical leadership skills essential for navigating the complexities of the maritime industry and beyond.

“We are honored to receive this grant from the Teagle Foundation,” said Interim President Michael J. Dumont. “Cal Maritime is committed to providing a cohesive and broad educational experience that prepares our students to adapt and flourish in a rapidly evolving world. The realization of the Proteus Program through the Cornerstone Initiative will deepen the interplay between our specialized STEM programs and the liberal arts. It will ensure our students graduate not only as skilled professionals but also as critical thinkers and effective communicators. The Cornerstone Initiative brings a unique opportunity for our talented instructors to engage across departments and disciplines to support each other’s efforts in this essential work.”

The Proteus Program transforms mandated general education first-year writing and critical thinking classes into “gateway” courses that utilize transformative texts that encourage students to engage with essential questions about civic life, individual growth, and effective leadership. By intentionally scaffolding the educational experience, the optional pathway program helps students make a direct connection between their coursework and their responsibilities as effective team members and responsible citizens. This approach integrates critical thinking, ethical leadership, and cross-disciplinary skills into required courses, ensuring students gain valuable insights without adding extra coursework.

“The Proteus Program is our strategic response to the challenges faced by students in high-unit STEM programs,” said Dr. Senk. “By emphasizing humanities-based inquiry, we aim to create a cohesive educational experience that balances technical proficiency with critical reflection.”

The Proteus Program emphasizes that technical problems often require humanistic thinking and ethical considerations. This strategy not only aligns with CSU system requirements but also enriches students’ education by deepening a sense of shared purpose across majors and fostering a more cohesive and engaging learning experience.

“We believe that the Cornerstone Learning for Living initiative will be a key component of our Maritime General Education curriculum,” added Dr. Parsons. “Our goal is to make Proteus the centerpiece of a Cal Maritime educational experience that explicitly redefines leadership in terms of awareness of self, others, and the world around us.”

Upon completing a Gateway course, students can earn a Certificate in Integrated General Education by taking an additional nine units within focus areas such as Maritime Culture, Leadership and Global Citizenship, or Environment and Sustainability.

This transformative approach will prepare students to thrive in a rapidly changing world, equipping them with the adaptability, innovation, and ethical leadership skills needed for success in both their professional and personal lives. Implementation of the Proteus Program will begin in the upcoming academic year, building on work that began in Fall 2023 with a $25,000 Teagle Foundation Planning Grant. This initial funding allowed Culture and Communication faculty to pilot new versions of first-year classes and supported a working group of faculty from every department to help guide the implementation proposal, setting the stage for the broader rollout of the program.                                                                                                         

For more information about the Teagle Foundation and the Cornerstone: Learning for Living initiative, please visit Teagle Foundation Website.