Previous Story
New NMC president will report for work Friday
|
Posted on Jul 05 2011
Dr. Sharon Hart, the newly appointed Northern Marianas College president, was not able to report for work yesterday after her arrival was postponed to later this week.
Hart’s first day of work was originally slated for yesterday, July 5.
In a visit to the campus yesterday, NMC management told Saipan Tribune that there was a slight change in Hart’s schedule of activities due to her delayed arrival.
NMC did not elaborate on the reason behind the delay or who requested for the postponement. But the college assured that Hart will be on campus later this week to officially take over as its new chief executive officer.
NMC said she is expected to report for work by Friday. Saipan Tribune learned that the incoming CEO has plans to meet with some accreditation officials before flying to Saipan this week.
Barbara Merfalen, the dean of academic programs, was named acting president yesterday until Hart reports for work Friday.
Former interim president Lorraine T. Cabrera, meantime, officially went back to her old position yesterday as director of the Adult Basic Education program.
Because of Hart’s delayed arrival, NMC’s management is now revising her schedule of activities.
Meantime, NMC ended its summer sessions last Friday with 184 enrollees. Its registration for the fall 2011 semester is slated from Aug. 15 to 20. Classes open on Aug. 22.
Starting on July 15, all NMC employees will observe the austerity Fridays until the end of the fiscal year in September as a result of a budgetary shortfall.
Last Friday, NMC was removed from the severe sanction of show-cause status and was placed on a lesser level of probation. It is expected to submit a report by Oct. 15 this year showing “proof” that all deficiencies have been addressed.
Hart, who was raised and born in Michigan and has spent almost 30 years in higher education, is expected to relocate to Saipan with her family.
In an early interview with Saipan Tribune, she vowed to bring a sense of stability and harmony to the college to effectively achieve its goals and mission. She also expressed a great desire to help the college raise money for its numerous programs and projects.
