Chairman Charles Cepeda, Elaine Hocog Orilla, Maria T. Peter and Rita H. Inos voted in favor of the extension.
Janet Han King voted “no,” while the recently appointed regent, former Senate President Juan S. Demapan, voted “here.”
Cepeda said Fernandez “has the ability to continue the college’s direction” in its efforts to reaffirm its accreditation.
The regents deliberated for over an hour before taking a vote.
Fernandez, Cepeda said, “has done the job and has the professional capability.”
King disagreed.
“Professionally she is not meeting my standard such that I won’t recommend her renewal,” she said.
Demapan said it would be unfair to cast a vote during his first board meeting.
Inos noted that the board retains the option to revoke the contract anytime if the president is not performing as expected.
Ivan Mereb, Associated Students of NMC president, believes that the decision of the board was based on Fernandez’s accomplishments.
“She inherited the seven terms of recommendations by the [Western Association of Schools and Colleges] but she was able to make corrective measures that reduced these to two recommendations,” Mereb said.
He added, “Another reason is her pro-active approach with the students through dialogues and the improvement of the college’s facilities and infrastructure.”
In an interview, Fernandez she was happy that the board reaffirmed its confidence in her leadership.
“I’m very appreciative of their strong support for the last two years,” the former Guam senator said.
Asked about King’s comment, Fernandez said the regent “is entitled to her own opinion and I respect it.”
