Maine Maritime Academy has received a $1.5 million gift from alumnus Guy E. Mossman ’79E to establish an endowed chair in nuclear and reliability engineering. The new faculty position, named in honor of his father, Edward L. Mossman ’50E, will support leadership in the academy’s Department of Engineering and help expand coursework in nuclear-related technologies.
A Maine Maritime Academy press release noted the donation marks a significant step toward reestablishing the academy’s legacy in nuclear training. The institution reintroduced a minor in nuclear engineering in 2024 and expects to launch a full major by fall 2026.
MMA will be the only school in Maine with a Nuclear Engineering Technology program, as well as the only State Maritime Academy with such a program, an MMA spokesperson told WorkBoat.
MMA president Craig Johnson ’91 said the gift will be pivotal as the school seeks to strengthen its offerings in advanced maritime engineering.
“Nuclear energy will play a critical role in the maritime future through multiple applications,” Johnson said. “The Mossman Endowed Chair allows us to attract and retain top talent as we expand offerings in this evolving field.”
In addition to the endowed position, the Materials Testing and Nuclear Engineering Laboratory located in the American Bureau of Shipping Center for Engineering, Science, and Research will be named in honor of Edward Mossman. According to the academy, the lab supports growing research and training efforts tied to modular microreactors, hydrogen fuel production, and other emerging technologies.
Guy Mossman said the endowment supports the academy’s long-standing commitment to engineering education and workforce development.
“I’m proud to support Maine Maritime Academy and establish this chair in memory of my father,” he said. “This endowment will help ensure the next generation of engineers is equipped to lead in nuclear innovation.”
According to the press release, the creation of the endowed chair of nuclear and reliability engineering will allow the academy to expand instruction in applied nuclear technology development, operations, and reliability engineering—areas that align closely with MMA’s existing programs in marine engineering operations, maintenance, automation, and control.
Professor of engineering Paul Wlodkowski described the gift as a catalyst for revitalizing core technical disciplines that had previously been part of the academy’s curriculum.
“The philanthropy of the Mossman family is a major catalyst in reconstituting these vital technical disciplines,” Wlodkowski said. “The resources will also support the Academy's vision of becoming the preeminent training facility for the Nuclear Merchant Mariner.”
