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House endorses Sablan as next NMC president
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Posted on Nov 29 1999
Northern Marianas College Vice President Jack Sablan is endorsed by the House of Representatives to replace outgoing President Agnes M. McPhetres, widening his lead in terms of local support from other candidates vying for the position to be vacant by yearend.
The House at the same time adopted on Friday a resolution recognizing the contributions to the college of Ms. McPhetres, who is retiring after more than 16 years of leading CNMI’s lone higher learning institution.
Mr. Sablan is one of 20 individuals, most of whom from off-island, who have submitted applications for the next NMC president.
Earlier, Senate Vice President Thomas P. Villagomez openly endorsed him, saying the college’s top official must come from the institution itself to ensure continuity of ongoing policies and better understanding of its situation.
The senator had vowed to lobby support from the Legislature and the administration for the appointment of Mr. Sablan, although that decision hinges with the Board of Regents, the college’s policy-making body.
The minimum qualifications for the position include a master’s degree and at least five years of experience in the field of education and administration.
Meanwhile, the commemorative resolution to be awarded by the House to Ms. McPhetres honored her “commitment and dedication to education” in the Commonwealth as well as her “tireless efforts” in seeking funding for NMC.
“Ms. McPhetres sacrificed more than half of her life to the development and growth of quality education in the CNMI and, in the process, has become one of the most respected and productive public officials in the history of the Commonwealth,” said the resolution.
NMC has been the subject of the oversight investigation by the House Committee on Health, Education and Welfare for the past few months. The panel is expected to release its report once the Office of Public Auditor completes its financial review.
The cash-strapped college has come under fire in recent months over allegations of mismanagement of funds and lack of clear policies on its program.
