Posted on May 26, 2025
Cal Poly has appointed two new leaders to guide the future of the Cal Poly, Solano Campus and the Cal Poly Maritime Academy as part of its ongoing integration efforts.
Dr. Corey Cook has been named vice president and chief executive officer of Cal Poly, Solano Campus, while Rear Admiral (Retired) Eric C. Jones, USCG, has been named superintendent of the Cal Poly Maritime Academy.
Cook and Jones were appointed to their new posts after a national search. Both roles are effective July 1.
“These new leaders will work closely with colleagues from across both campuses to advance our shared mission, champion Learn by Doing and deepen our commitment to maritime education and regional impact,” said Cal Poly President Jeffrey D. Armstrong.
Cal Maritime will officially merge on July 1, when it becomes “Cal Poly, Solano Campus,” housing the “Cal Poly Maritime Academy.” This comes after California State University Board of Trustees voted in November to approve a CSU Chancellor recommendation to integrate the two schools. The integration would be complete by the start of the 2026-27 academic year.
The decision of the merger was made after Cal Maritime experienced a 31 percent enrollment decline over the last seven years — going from approximately 1,100 students in 2016-17 to just over 750 in 2023-24, according to a CSU statement. There are 81 members of faculty, with 176 staff.
Dr. Corey Cook
The rising employment and operational costs have contributed to the fiscal crisis for Cal Maritime, which has an annual budget of $53 million.
The Cook and Jones appointments are the next step in an integration approved in November by the CSU Board of Trustees in order to build on Cal Poly’s strong track record in admissions and enrollment; unite two institutions that share a hands-on, immersive educational approach; and create administrative efficiencies.
“This is a significant step forward in a process that will enhance Learn by Doing, strengthen maritime education in our region and bolster student success for all current and future Cal Poly and Cal Poly Maritime Academy students,” said Michael J. Dumont, interim president of Cal Maritime.
As superintendent, Jones will serve as the administrative leader and chief academic officer of the Cal Poly Maritime Academy. He will oversee the academy’s merchant mariner license-track programs, training vessels, the Corps of Cadets, port facilities, and other associated programs.
Rear Admiral (Retired) Eric C. Jones, USCG
Jones joins Cal Poly following more than 35 years of distinguished service in the U.S. Coast Guard. His leadership roles included assistant commandant for human resources and commander of the Seventh District, where he oversaw operations across the Southeastern U.S. and Caribbean and managed workforce systems for over 57,000 members. He also coordinated multi-agency responses during Hurricanes Dorian, Irma, and Maria, as well as the COVID pandemic.
Jones is a graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, holds a master’s degree from MIT, and is a fellow of Harvard’s National Preparedness Leadership Initiative and MIT’s Seminar XXI on Foreign Policy and International Relations.
As vice president and CEO, Cook will lead Cal Poly, Solano Campus, providing strategic vision, executive leadership, and operational oversight for all programs and initiatives. He is widely respected for his commitment to student success, inclusive innovation and institutional transformation.
Cook recently served as executive vice president and provost at Saint Mary’s College of California. He previously served as founding dean of the School of Public Service at Boise State University and has led strategic planning, accreditation, and academic reform initiatives. He holds a doctorate and a master’s degree in political science from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a bachelor’s in political science and peace and conflict studies from UC Berkeley.
