Deleon Guerrero is new NMC president

A little over five months after ex-Northern Marianas College president Kenneth Wright resigned from his post, the college has now a new president—Antonio V. Deleon Guerrero—who has been occupying the post in an acting capacity.

After two weeks of discussions and interviews with the six applicants for the position, the Board of Regents finally announced yesterday its decision to choose Deleon Guerrero as the new president of the college—reportedly a unanimous decision among the board members.

This will make Deleon Guerrero NMC’s fifth president since the establishment of the institution. With an associate degree in business, a bachelor’s degree in tourism management, and a masters degree in educational leadership, Guerrero has had a long career in education.

Board chair Kimberlyn King-Hinds said each applicant were asked the same set of questions, several of which helped the board determine the strengths and weaknesses of the candidates.

“We interviewed the candidates and took several time outs to go over our thoughts. We discussed the different qualities and assets, strengths and weaknesses that each brought to the table,” said King-Hinds.

Eight individuals applied for the position; however, only six met the requirements and qualifications for the post.

It was a unanimous decision, according to King-Hinds. “One of the things that Tony brings to the table is the fact that he’s been around NMC, he has climb up the ladder.”

As president, Deleon Guerrero said he would like to develop a shared vision among the stakeholders of the institution by exploring strategies that will continuously improve the quality of the college’s educational programs and services.

Deleon Guerrero plans on strengthening the institutional cooperation, collaboration, and teamwork to address the multiple needs and challenges facing NMC.

With a similar commitment from NMC employees, he believes that the college will bring desired changes, and transform from a good community college to an outstanding institution of higher education.

Deleon Guerrero thanked the board for their confidence in appointing him.

“We all know that the presidential search process is one the most important tasks of a trustee. Please be assured that I am strongly committed to fulfilling the institutional mission of NMC, the well-being of our students, college employees, and the long-term sustainable development of the CNMI,” he said.

Saying he is prepared for criticism, Deleon Guerrero stressed that he will not be able to satisfy everyone with the decisions that he will make. He added, though, that he will be guided by the mission of the institution.

“I can handle making a tough decision, be it popular or unpopular, but if it is the right decision I will stick to it. I’m ready to accept criticism and I know that I will not be able to satisfy or make everybody happy, but in terms of coming up with the right decision, I would just like to focus back on the purpose and mission of the college,” he said.

In his interview for the position, Deleon Guerrero was asked about his personal feelings on the critical functions of a community college.

He had replied that, with his 17 years of experience at NMC, starting as an adjunct faculty to a full-time faculty, and helping through various leadership positions, he finds that a community college is a comprehensive institution with various missions.

For instance, Deleon Guerrero pointed out that the academic programs many students undergo for transfer purposes. He said that area would need to be improved and articulated from universities abroad.

Speaking before the college’s instructors, staff, and board members, Deleon Guerrero stressed the importance of transforming dreams into reality through a shared vision with the faculty and staff of the institution.

“As transformational leaders in higher education, we must foster imagination and creativity in our programs so that we can promote an institutional climate [conducive] to effective teaching and learning.

“We must value and cherish our dreams and visions, and nurture them into fulfillment through effective organizational planning,” said Deleon Guerrero. (Cassie DLG Fejeran)