Regents complete evaluation of NMC president

The evaluation of Northern Marianas College president Dr. Sharon Hart was completed last Tuesday but there’s no telling yet if she will be offered a new contract.A

In an interview, Board of Regents chair Frank Rabauliman called the role of president “critical” to the college’s success and emphasized the importance of stability in regards to leadership at the college.

“We were cited for instability with regards to leadership [by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges]. Obviously, we would like to see stable leadership. Two years ago, we wanted to prove and demonstrate to the ACCJC that we have matured and we need to ensure the leadership remains,” he said.

Rabauliman, for his part, could not comment on how Hart did on the evaluation as it is a personnel issue. On Tuesday, each regent submitted an approved presidential evaluation instrument, according to Rabauliman.

The board evaluates the NMC president annually based on goals and objectives they both agree on the previous year.

Last fiscal year’s end goals for NMC included secured reaffirmation of accreditation, which was achieved this year in February. NMC was also approved for a six-year accreditation with the WASC Senior College and University Commission in July.

Other goals assessed in the evaluation included priorities in student success, continuous quality improvement, and the CNMI workforce.

Rabauliman said he would be compiling the evaluations into one report to be shared with Hart at the next board meeting, expected in December.

Rabauliman described Hart’s role as “critical.” He added that the board has but one staff and that is the president, who comes up with the procedures to carry out the policies of the board.

“She is essentially the one running the college. The board provides the direction,” he said.

Hart’s contract was renewed for two years in 2013. The evaluations marked the second-half of her second term at the college.

An election of officers for the board is expected in December’s board meeting, according to Rabauliman.