By Emmanuel T. Erediano
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
NORTHERN Marianas College Board of Regents nominees Dave Guerrero and Mike Evangelista on Wednesday said they will ensure that NMC remains an accessible, affordable, and high-quality “beacon of hope” for the CNMI.
During a public hearing conducted by the Senate Committee on Executive Appointments and Government Investigations, Guerrero and Evangelista expressed gratitude to Gov. David M. Apatang and Lt. Gov. Dennis Mendiola for nominating them to the board.
They were officially introduced by Special Assistant for Administration John Paul Reyes. He noted that Guerrero holds a master’s degree in economics with advanced professional certifications and licenses, and brings more than two decades of leadership experience in finance, banking, and economic development, including senior roles in commercial lending, regulatory compliance, and regional management.
Evangelista, Reyes added, is an attorney with extensive experience in legal practice, legislative work, and public policy service in the CNMI. He has held multiple leadership roles in legal and educational institutions and earned numerous scholarly achievements.
In his statement to the committee, Guerrero said he accepted the nomination with a profound sense of responsibility and personal connection. A proud alumnus of NMC, where he graduated in 2000, he recalled sitting in the same classrooms “filled by the same dreams and ambitions” as students today.
“NMC is a foundation upon which I built my career,” Guerrero said. “Today my journey has come full circle, from a student seeking a path to success to a nominee paving a path for others to follow. I know firsthand the power of NMC education, and I am living proof of the Proa’s ability to carry our people to destined shores of success.”
If confirmed, Guerrero said, his primary focus will be to ensure that NMC remains a high-quality, accessible, and affordable beacon of hope. He said he is committed to the board’s vision of stewardship through scholarship, ensuring that educational programs “translate directly into a stronger, more resilient Commonwealth economy, and I want every student to feel the same sense of belonging and empowerment.”
Guerrero said his advocacy will focus on infrastructure excellence, completing modern campus facilities at As Terlaje, and student-centered growth by strengthening services and financial aid so no student’s journey is cut short by a lack of resources. He also emphasized workforce alignment, ensuring the curriculum evolves with the changing job market to allow graduates to start smart and finish wise in the CNMI.
Evangelista told the committee that he welcomed the responsibility of serving on the board with optimism.
“I say this with all sincerity and appreciation of the gravity of the responsibility at hand. I welcome this added responsibility and challenge in the spirit of paying it forward and with a sense of duty to our community and to NMC, which is near and dear to my heart,” he said.
Also a proud NMC alumnus, Evangelista said his educational journey began in “the humble halls of the old As Terlaje campus.” He praised NMC for remaining accessible, affordable, and high-quality, which allowed him to achieve his educational goals, enjoy a career in the legal field, and provide for his family.
“To those ends, if this committee finds me qualified to serve, I will devote all my time, energy, and effort to ensuring that accessibility, affordability, and high-quality post-secondary education remain available to our residents and anyone who wishes to attend NMC,” Evangelista said.
Emmanuel “Arnold” Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
