It was the first time in NMC’s history that a regent was sworn in on the college’s Charter Day, interim President Lorraine Cabrera said.
The ceremony was held in the board of regents conference room at 9:30 a.m. and was attended by Sen. Jovita M. Taimanao, Ind.-Rota, Vice Speaker Felicidad T. Ogumoro, Covenant-Saipan, Saipan and Northern Islands Municipal Council Chairman Ramon B. Camacho, former municipal council member Felipe Q. Atalig and other friends and guests of Torres.
Personnel at the Rota and Tinian NMC campuses also witnessed the swearing in via teleconference.
Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos, who administered the oath of office, noted Torres’ wealth of experience and knowledge of education.
Inos said Torres, a former education commission, will help address the challenges NMC is currently facing.
NMC, which has yet to hire a new president, has been placed under show-cause status by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges-Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.
Torres, in his brief statement, said he is familiar with the NMC accreditation issue and “I will do my best to help in that aspect.”
He said by the end of the year, the college should probably get a “permanent” accreditation status.
Despite his experience, he said: “I don’t think as an expert and I will just do my job.”
Torres said he will also look into NMC’s agricultural education programs, extension services, agricultural and aqua-cultural research and the development of a sustainable agricultural and aqua-cultural industry in the CNMI.
Acting Chairwoman Elaine Hocog Orilla welcomed Torres to the board.
She said Torres can help NMC solve its problems.
