San Jac's Amy Arrowood Numbers Among 2023 Top Women of Maritime

Captain Amy Arrowood, San Jacinto College's director of the maritime credit program, has been named one of the 2023 Top Women in Maritime by Marine Log Magazine.

With a career that spans more than 20 years, Arrowood served in the U.S. Coast Guard and sailed U.S. flag vessels coastwide and internationally.

"This designation is an honor. I'm proud of the maritime network I've made for myself over the years and the professionals I call friends. I've received several awards for my work, and I'm honored by my recognition," said Arrowood. 

Arrowood graduated from Texas A&M University-Galveston with a Bachelor of Science in marine transportation and joined the Coast Guard as a commissioned officer in 2002. Besides racking up many memorable experiences while being in port in 15 countries, she earned the U.S. Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation and Unit Commendation in 2004 and Commendation Medal in 2005.

Arrowood's connection to San Jac began in 2014 when she joined an advisory committee for the Maritime Technology and Training Center as a port captain and marine operations manager for J.A.M. Marine Services. After signing on as a maritime transportation faculty member, she began to teach classes and curate the program’s curriculum. 

"It was a small program that filled up quickly, and I knew each of my students well," Arrowood said. "If they ever missed class, I was checking up on them to see if they were OK. Even now, if my students are absent or miss assignments, I'm waiting at the top of the stairs to catch them to see how they are doing."

Arrowood earned the College’s 2018-2019 Administrator Excellence Award for serving as a role model, working collaboratively, meeting students' and other employees' needs, and exemplifying dedication, service, and involvement in the College community.

"Part of the joy of being an instructor is seeing the outcomes of our program," she said. "I have also enjoyed seeing some of my students achieving 'firsts.' I've seen the first female deckhand and tankerman for a few companies now. I'm proud to have helped my students get into those positions."

Since Arrowood joined San Jac, the maritime programs have grown. Two years after starting maritime training, the College introduced the state's first and only associate degree for maritime transportation. This degree program combines Coast Guard- and Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping-approved maritime training with the college-level academics required of an associate degree.

"We are so proud of Captain Arrowood for her nomination and selection as one of Marine Log magazine's Top Women in Maritime for 2023," said Ken Tidwell, maritime interim associate vice chancellor. "As the maritime industry continues to increase diversity and bring more women into its ranks, her selection out of over 200 professionals is more than deserving. I cannot think of a better ambassador for excellence as a maritime transportation professional or greater champion for opening doors and breaking ceilings for future generations of mariners."