U.S. shipbuilder Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) announced that Latitia D. McCane has been named director of education for The Apprentice School at Newport News Shipbuilding.
McCane is responsible for the overall leadership, vision and strategic direction of craft training, academic delivery, student services, accreditation and recruitment for the school that provides four-to eight-year apprentice programs for approximately 800 students. She will report to Ray Bagley, Newport News’ vice president of trades operations.
Since 2007, McCane has held several leadership positions, most recently dean of instructional services, at Bishop State Community College in Mobile, Ala. She also was associate dean of instruction at Jefferson Davis Community College in Brewton, Alab. McCane earned doctoral degrees in urban higher education administration and education administration from Jackson State University and Lacrosse University, respectively. She also holds graduate and undergraduate degrees in organic chemistry and chemistry from the University of Alabama, Texas Southern University and Alabama State University.
“Latitia comes to us at an important time in our company’s history when we are focused on people and technology—transforming the way we do business,” Bagley said. “Given Latitia’s wealth of experience, I’m confident that she will play an integral role in helping prepare our shipbuilders for the future.”
Since 1919, The Apprentice School has produced more than 10,000 graduates. It will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year.