DEFINING A NEW NAVY CULTURE

It began with a request.

In 2011, during a campus visit following the announcement of Department of the Navy Energy Security efforts and efficiency goals, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus made a request of his service’s graduate school. Mabus knew the kinds of objectives he set would require a cultural swing in the Navy and Marine Corps, and in how the services as a whole view energy in every capacity.

The Naval Postgraduate School’s charge was to assist with that change by educating select officers on all facets of energy and its impact on the service. Through this past calendar year, the university would respond to that call through the tireless efforts of faculty, senior staff and officials in the nation’s capitol. Knowing this cultural change would require an approach beyond a single curricula, program or field of expertise, these visionaries looked across the entire campus and beyond to achieve their goals.

In the end, the result was a broad portfolio of educational deliverables, along with the research facilities and faculty expertise to back them up. Four individual and diverse curricula were infused with coursework to build specialized energy tracks—from technical programs like mechanical and electronic systems engineering to the analytical prowess of operations analysis and financial management. Multiple cohorts of students are making their way through the programs, and the first are set to graduate in 2013.

A robust guest lecture series developed throughout the past year continues to build momentum, and the creation of multiple graduate-level certificate programs round out an effort that broadens the Defense Energy program to reach students across the entire campus. The continued development of new courses, as well as executive education opportunities, through the coming year will add both depth and customization to an already impactful program.

Transitions in culture take time, but through the advanced education and a spectra of existing, relevant research efforts, NPS was able to swiftly respond to the Secretary’s call. As the Navy and Marine Corps culture continues its evolutionary process, the university will be standing by, ready to answer the next challenge.

More Information ...

An August 2011 visit by Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus lays out the initial vision for the university’s comprehensive Defense Energy program launched this past year. view story

NPS’ Defense Energy program adds a distinct energy focus to several existing programs, along with several certificate programs, executive education, and more. view official site

Advanced biofuels analysis for Navy use is just one of several relevant research efforts underway at NPS. view story