The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point has appointed its first female superintendent.

Joanna Nunan is expected to start her new role in a few weeks. According to Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips, Nunan is a listed mariner who served in the Coast Guard for over three decades in addition to being a member of the sexual assault prevention, response and recovery committee.

This announcement comes as the Academy deals with allegations of sexual assault and harassment surrounding a Sea Year Program.

A 19-year-old female cadet claimed she was raped by a supervisor during the program on a commercial ship in 2019. Nine other female students enrolled at the academy have also claimed they were raped during their Sea Year. The program was reinstated last December after being suspended twice in five years.

Phillips believes Nunan’s leadership will have a positive impact on the academy.

“Her skills in that field are going to help her move forward so many issues that we've been working on, sexual assault, sexual harassment and changing the culture. She has the tool kit to be able to do that,” she said.

“Everyone is taking a step forward. We just need to work on prevention, response and education. I think we're on a good path,” said 1st Classman Senior Meghan Malone.