in full membership in the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Rodgers, a 1940 U.S. Naval Academy graduate and World War II naval aviator, served as superintendent from 1964 to 1984, transforming the academy through comprehensive modernization and academic expansion. During his tenure, Rodgers received both a BA and MA of Science in aviation engineering at MIT and helped test the Navy's Skyhook personnel rescue project before transitioning to his academic leadership role at MMA.
=== Breaking barriers and modern era ===
In 1976, Academy senior Deborah Doane Dempsey became the first woman to graduate from any maritime or service academy in the United States, graduating as valedictorian of her class. She later became the first American woman to achieve the rank of Master Mariner and command a cargo ship sailing internationally, and was the first woman to become a regular member of the Council of American Master Mariners. Dempsey served during the Persian Gulf War and received the U.S. Navy Meritorious …
