She noted “the overwhelming positive growth and movement which has come about as a result of faculty, staff, students and even the board itself to ‘move forward’ for the sake of NMC’s future.”
NMC will point this out to the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges which noted several negative observations regarding the board’s performance.
In its 10-page report, the commission said the regents appeared to be more focused on removing then-NMC President Carmen Fernandez than on ensuring that the college fulfill its mission.
King said all regents deliberated over the decision to terminate Fernandez.
“All the regents had the same facts to work with. There were many discussions of all possible avenues, not just termination; advice from counsel; and open communication between the board and Dr. Fernandez through their respective attorneys,” she said.
The newly installed regents take their roles seriously, she added.
“Everyone understands that as a regent you are responsible for coming up with your conclusions to any issue before you, which means being prepared for and showing up to meetings when they are called,” King said.
Ultimately, she added, each regent is responsible for making informed decisions based on what is in the best interests of the college.
According to the commission’s report, individual regents admitted to holding open disregard for each other’s opinion, and some said board meetings had been scheduled to minimize the participation of the minority members.
The regents who voted against the termination of Fernandez were Charles Cepeda, Elaine Orilla and Maria Peter.
Those who voted in favor were King and the three newly appointed regents: Variety co-publisher Paz C. Younis, Andrew Orsini and Frank Rabauliman
“There is obviously a divide among groups in NMC, even the board of regents, and it is [why the commission] concluded there is ‘factionalism,’ a serious concern of the ACCJC. And I share their concern on that point, because it has brought us to where we are,” King said.
Fernandez has sued NMC and the four regents for firing her.
King said NMC and the board are now taking steps to address the contents of the commission’s report and the recommendations from ACCJC president Dr. Barbara Beno. (See http://www.nmcnet.edu/media/resource%20documents/NMC%20June%2030%202010.pdf and http://www.nmcnet.edu/media/resource%20documents/ACCJC%20Special%20Visit%20Team%20Report%20%28April%2013-14,%202010%29.pdf)
On Friday, the board met for the first time since the commission placed the college on show-cause status.
“The board has definitely come together in order to address the important issues in the report,” King said, adding that they have no time to blame each other and make accusations.
They are now focused on addressing the recommendations of the commission, she added.
