Hart prepares for leadership transition at NMC

To ensure the smooth transition and stability of leadership at the Northern Marianas College, president Dr. Sharon Y. Hart has been working with the Board of Regents to plan a leadership transition for the college.  Hart had earlier signed an agreement with the board to have her contract extended by up to a year, which extends her presidency at the college to June 2016.

According to Hart, it is time for her to focus on her family. She still has a son enrolled in high school back in the U.S. mainland with whom she plans to join.

“I am looking forward to the next stage in my career and in joining my family members back in the U.S.,” Hart said. “As I am now in my fifth year of service to this college it is now time to turn over the reins to someone else that can continue the great momentum that we have going at the college.”

“The institution is in great hands with the Board of Regents and has an excellent group of employees that will continue to move the institution forward to address the higher educational needs of the CNMI,” she added.  “I have been committed to seeing the college through some very challenging times, and now that these are behind us and we are now on a solid foundation, it is time for me to take my leave.”

Board of Regents chair Juan Lizama said, “Dr. Hart will be departing the college on a high note. She has been at the helm of NMC during some of its most difficult years. Under her leadership, the college has moved from show-cause status under the Western Association of Schools and Colleges-Junior Commission to accreditation reaffirmation with no reports or visits required.”

“Immediately after this success, she positioned the institution to seek initial accreditation under the WASC Senior Commission,” Lizama said. “This was accomplished in less than five months, with NMC receiving a six-year status under this new accreditor.  The college also received approval of its substantive change proposal to add a four-year degree in Business Management.”

Other accomplishments under Hart’s leadership include:

Continued increase in student enrollment. Last year in May the college also graduated its largest class in the institution’s 34-year history.

Initiated Complete College America within the institution and in the NMI with support from the governor.  As a result, in March 2014 the NMI because the first U.S. territory to join 33 other states in the Complete College America Alliance of States. 

Successfully worked with the U.S. Department of Education to ensure that the college’s Bachelor in Education program continues to receive federal financial aid. In 2013, the USDOE had indicated that NMC’s dual accreditation (at that time NMC was accredited by both the senior and junior commission of WASC) was not in accordance with its policy, and this made NMC ineligible for Title IV Funding for the baccalaureate degree program in education. 

Obtained successful audits of the college.  For the past several years, the college has received an unqualified opinion on its financial statements. This means that the financial statements, according to the independent auditor, were presented fairly, in all material aspects, and that they conformed with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S.

Secured all of Micronesia to be accepted to join the Western Interstate Commission of Higher Education.  As a result, the CNMI has become the first member representing Micronesia. This membership opens the doors for all CNMI residents to avail of the numerous opportunities and savings available through the commission. 

“I continue to be impressed by the dedication and commitment that NMC staff, students, and faculty have demonstrated despite many challenges the college has faced,” said Hart. “I’m confident that many more great successes will continue to come forth from the college in the years to come.”

Hart said the college is committed to meeting the goals outlined in its five-year strategic plan, which focuses on workforce development efforts, college completion, student success and support, and resource development. (NMC)