NMC Chairman Charles Cepeda said the members of the board looked to Inos for her reassuring leadership and wise judgment during the college’s most difficult and challenging times.
“She was a visionary who worked tirelessly to position the college well for its unprecedented growth since her appointment to the board,” Cepeda said.
Inos was earlier diagnosed with breast cancer.
NMC President Carmen Fernandez said Inos was a great boss, mentor and friend.
“I love her and will miss her dearly,” she said.
Fernandez said Inos dedicated her career to advancing educational opportunities for the people of the CNMI and her passion for students was unparalleled.
“Her leadership roles at the college, at the Public School System, and in other organizations have created a legacy that will have a long-lasting impact on the educational landscape of the Northern Marianas,” Fernandez said.
She said the college owes many of its accomplishments to Inos’s leadership and guidance.
On Monday morning, Fernandez asked the members of the NMC community to keep Inos in their thoughts and prayers.
During a faculty assembly, she asked the faculty members to take a moment of silence in honor of Inos.
Inos was appointed to the NMC board of regents in Feb. 2006, and served as its chairwoman from June 29, 2006 to July 18, 2008.
Press Secretary Charles P. Reyes Jr. said Gov. Benigno R. Fitial immediately issued a statement upon learning of Inos’ passing away.
“Dr. Rita Hocog Inos was my running mate when I first established the Covenant Party and ran for governor in 2001. Before she ran with me, she was the first female candidate for the Office of Lt. Governor with the late Gov. Lorenzo I. Guerrero,” Fitial said in a statement.
“I consider Dr. Inos to be one of my mentors. I relied on her for advice on public policy issues concerning education. This is why I chose her to be my running mate in the 2001 CNMI general elections. Our plan was for me to focus on economic development, while she handled important education issues. This is also why I nominated her to the Northern Marianas College’s board of regents, where she served until she passed away today. Dr. Inos was committed to the cause of education in the Commonwealth and throughout our Pacific region. She was a dedicated public servant, and I relied on her for guidance and advice concerning public education,” he added.
Fitial said he was thankful for Inos’s friendship, describing her as a very compassionate woman who cared very deeply for the community. “She will be remembered and missed. I extend my condolences to Rita’s family. Rita was family to me.”
Inos, a native of Songsong, Rota was married to Cristobal Songao Inos. They had two children — Denise Lorraine and Ana Blossom.
She was commissioner of education from June 1998 to Dec. 2005.
Inos was elected as Rota’s delegate to the Second Constitutional Convention in 1985 and chaired the committee on finance and other matters.
She received recognition in 1989-1990 in “Who’s Who in American Education,” and in “Glimpse into Pacific Lives — Some Outstanding Women,” in 1987.
Inos, who published various articles on eduation, obtained her doctor of education in educational planning, policy and administration degree from the University of Southern California in 1994.
