Richard Gurnon is an American maritime educator and retired naval officer who served as the 13th president of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA). He held the presidency from 2005 until his retirement in 2015, concluding a career at the institution that spanned over 37 years.
Gurnon graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1970 and subsequently served as an officer in the United States Navy. He joined the staff of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy in 1978, initially serving as the Commandant of Cadets. Throughout his tenure at the academy, he held various administrative leadership roles, including Director of Admissions, Vice President of Student Affairs, and Executive Vice President.
During his decade-long presidency, Gurnon oversaw a period of institutional growth and modernization. His administration is credited with a significant increase in student enrollment and the expansion of the academy's academic offerings. Under his leadership, the institution diversified its curriculum to include programs in emergency management, facilities engineering, and energy systems, moving beyond its traditional focus on merchant marine operations. He also managed several major capital projects, including the construction of LEED-certified academic buildings and the modernization of campus infrastructure.
Following his retirement in 2015, Gurnon was succeeded by Rear Admiral Francis X. McDonald. He remains recognized for his long-term service to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and his influence on the standards of maritime professional training in the United States.