§8542 President; Assistants

Summary

The President of the Naval Postgraduate School must be either an active-duty Navy or Marine officer in a rank at or above captain or colonel, or a civilian (which can include a retiree who held at least that rank). The Secretary of the Navy picks the civilian from candidates using set criteria, a selection process, and any other factors the Secretary finds important. Before picking or assigning anyone, the Secretary must talk with the School’s Board of Advisors, consider recommendations from the School’s leaders and faculty, and consider advice from the Chief of Naval Operations and the Commandant of the Marine Corps. A civilian chosen for President serves up to five years and can be kept for one more term of up to five years. To be chosen, a person must have either a doctorate in a field relevant to the School or, if the person is an active or retired officer of at least captain or colonel rank, a master’s in a relevant field (but only if the Provost chosen has a doctorate at the time the President is selected). The person must also understand the Navy, Department of Defense, and joint operations, have senior leadership experience, show the ability to support research, and meet any other qualifications the Secretary sets. The Secretary must also assign Navy and Marine officers with the right ranks and skills to help the President with teaching, student education, research, and running the School.