Episode 97: Maritime Leadership and Education in the 21st Century with Rear Admiral John Okon, President SUNY Maritime College

Episode 97: Maritime Leadership and Education in the 21st Century with Rear Admiral John Okon, President SUNY Maritime College

Guest: Rear Admiral John Okon, President, SUNY Maritime College

Episode Overview:
In this episode, Christopher Aversano speaks with Rear Admiral John Okon, the newest president of SUNY Maritime College. They discuss how maritime education has evolved to meet the demands of an increasingly digital and interconnected world. Admiral Okon shares insights into his leadership journey, the critical importance of cybersecurity in maritime education, and the innovative ways SUNY Maritime is preparing for the next generation of maritime leaders.

Key Points:

1. Leadership at SUNY Maritime: Admiral Okon's journey from student to president and his vision for leading the college into its next chapter.
   • “My first day in uniform was at Maritime, and my last day in uniform was at Maritime. This institution shaped my career and my life.”
2. Critical Thinking and Character-Based Leadership: Why these two pillars are essential for the future of maritime professionals.
   • “We are trying to train and educate good human beings. Leadership starts with one fundamental aspect—being a good human being.”
3. The Role of Cybersecurity: Addressing the growing importance of cybersecurity in maritime education and industry practices.
   • “Cybersecurity lives in everything we have—engine controls, bridges, logistics systems. We need to bake it into our education and training.”
4. Collaborating Across Maritime Academies: How state maritime academies and Kings Point work together to strengthen the industry.
   • “When the rubber meets the road, we work together. A rising tide floats all boats.”
5. Social Media as a Tool for Outreach: Enhancing SUNY Maritime's brand and attracting students through dynamic online engagement.
   • “We’ve raised our social media presence significantly, and the feedback is clear—students are finding us through these platforms.”
6. Attracting Talent to the Industry: Strategies to bring more students into maritime careers and showcase the value of a maritime education.
   • “Come to Maritime, work hard for four years, and benefit for the next 40.”
7. Celebrating 150 Years: Reflecting on the rich history and enduring legacy of SUNY Maritime College during its sesquicentennial.
   • “This is a 150-year-old family with deep roots across the world. When you join, you’re part of something much bigger.”

Learn More:
Explore our past episode with Captain Matthew Glass discussing the Houston Pilots and the challenges that he faces as a pilot in one of the busiest waterways in the world.

Tune in Now:
Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more! Watch the episode on YouTube.

Music by: Peg and The Rejected 'King of SKA'
Art Work By: GA Design
Produced by: Chris Aversano

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Special Mention:

Christopher Aversano’s podcast is proud to be a media sponsor of London International Shipping Week, coming in September 2025. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting collaboration!