Lee is new NMC Faculty Senate president

The acting Business Department chair of the Northern Marianas College was named the new Faculty Senate president and will sit as the faculty’s representative on the Board of Regents.

Larry Lee, who has been with the college for almost a decade, bested Barbara Merfalen during Tuesday’s election.

On the vice presidency, Merfalen prevailed against nominee Frank Sobolewski, who is the outgoing faculty group president.

Named as the group’s secretary was Joan Dubrall.

Lee will serve a one-year term. He is also entitled to hold the position for two consecutive terms.

Other elected members of the Faculty Senate this year are Sobolewski, Lyte Chappap, Marian Tudela, Cynthia Deleon Guerrero, and Judy Torres.

Lee will both represent the instruction and non-instructional faculty that numbers about 60. He is expected to attend the next Board of Regents’ assembly as the group’s honorary member. Lee was the college’s former marketing and public relations officer prior to becoming an instructor.

Lee vowed yesterday to pursue the “unfinished” business of the previous faculty leadership. Topping his list is long-term contracts for faculty and employees of the college.

All NMC employees and staff are on two-year contracts that can be terminated or not renewed by the president, with or without cause. The Faculty Senate has for many years now been pushing for indefinite contracts to provide job security to all college personnel.

Lee said he will negotiate for a “long-term” employment contract if the management is not agreeable to the indefinite contract proposal.

The new faculty leader also wants changes in existing college policies such as the grievance procedures. At present, complaints and concerns go through four stages before reaching the college president’s table.

Sobolewski expressed confidence in Lee’s capability to work in the best interest of the group and the college.

Besides the “long-term” contract for employees, he hopes to see the faculty’s input on the setting of clear goals for the NMC president by the Board of Regents.

“It is also my hope that the faculty, staff, regents, and administration would come together to do the needed improvements in the college curriculum and instructions,” he added.

Sobolewski served as the Faculty Senate leader since February 2007. He served two full terms in that position.