Her opponent was former Chairman Charles V. Cepeda, who attended the meeting shortly after his reappointment was confirmed by the Senate.
He was nominated by Rota’s regent, Elaine Hocog Orilla, while Tinian’s King was nominated by Saipan’s Paz C. Younis.
Before the start of the meeting, former Rep. Maria T. Peter, the acting chair, announced that Cepeda was on his way to join them.
Former Lt. Gov. Jesus C. Borja, the board’s legal counsel, noted that a practicing lawyer is not allowed to hold any public position, including board membership.
King, who is a lawyer, said she had prepared for any legal impediments.
She secured the votes of Andrew Orsini, Younis and Frank Rabauliman while Cepeda was supported by Peter and Orilla.
Peter was nominated as vice chair and Cepeda as treasurer. Both declined the nominations.
The regents then named Younis as the new vice chair while Rabauliman will be the new treasurer.
NMC Senate Faculty President Larry Lee said he was extremely delighted and pleased with the new leadership.
Lee is a non-voting member of the board.
“I look forward to some changes and improvements in the college,” he said.
Lee said he expects the regents to take their roles seriously and to do their job.
In her brief statement after the election, King assured the board that she will work for the welfare and interest of the college, which includes its staff, faculty, administrators and chief executive officer.
In the jam-packed conference room, a former NMC regent and president, Agnes M. McPhetres, noted the “high turnover of personnel” since Carmen Fernandez became president in May 2007.
“This is very serious matter,” she said. “The entire academic integrity and the foundation of this college are shaken.”
