By Moneth G. Deposa
Variety News Staff

VICE Speaker Justo S. Quitugua is hoping to see a more transparent leadership at Northern Marianas College once former Guam Sen. Carmen C. Fernandez assumes its presidency.
NMC’s regents on Thursday selected Dr. Fernandez as the new chief executive, a position that has been vacant since last year.
“We (at the Legislature) would like to see a more transparent leadership at the college. The new president must also have important qualities — she must be able to work with the regents, staff, and students while taking into consideration the needs of the community,” Quitugua, D-Saipan, told Variety yesterday.
Fernandez, who is also a former vice president at the University of Guam, will soon meet with the board to discuss her contract.
Her salary will be subject to P.L. 15-24 which imposes a 10 percent reduction in salary.
“Dr. Fernandez will have a very challenging job,” the vice speaker said. “Now that the CNMI is faced with this economic situation, she will be expected to determine how the college can reduce its reliance on government funds. We want to work closely with the new president.”
He said there is a need to prioritize the college’s accreditation with the Western Association of Schools and Colleges which placed NMC on “probation” recently.
“Her first challenge is to begin addressing the concerns of WASC,” he said.
Quitugua said Fernandez, based on her background, understands how to make and implement laws specifically related to educational issues.
“We’re expecting that she will establish a good working relationship with the Legislature,” the lawmaker said.
He added that the new president “must also look into how NMC students can have more access to financial assistance from the federal government and the business community.”