NMC president passes evaluation, but advised to be more assertive

Northern Marianas College president Tony V. Deleon Guerrero passed the recent evaluation by the NMC Board of Regents but was advised to be more assertive and concise in sharing with the board the college’s institutional needs and concerns.

In terms of decision-making, the board concluded that Guerrero can be overly cautious in attempting to gather all relevant information before making a decision for the school.

“Although collaborative and shared decision-making is valued, the board feels that the president should also place greater trust in his own judgment and ability to make decisions,” said the board.

The board acknowledged, though, that, although Guerrero had very limited administrative support during his first year in the position due to unfilled positions and budgetary constraints, his accomplishments exceeded expectations.

The NMC Board of Regents conducted the evaluation during a session held for that purpose on Aug. 19. The annual evaluation was completed to assess the president’s performance over the previous year—his first year in office—in terms of accomplishments as well as to identify areas for improvement, said the BOR.

When Guerrero became NMC president in July 2004, the college was beset with financial and accreditation problems. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges’ accrediting commission previously placed NMC on warning status due to financial matters and the lack of attention to the commission’s major recommendations in its 2000 evaluation report.

Guerrero’s first year effectively dealt with resolving the college’s financial difficulties. He finished the year in the “black” and NMC was removed from warning status by WASC.

The board commended the president for his management and leadership in dealing effectively with those challenges and feels that NMC is now in a better position to look forward and plan for the future. The board said it is satisfied that the relationship between it and the president is characterized by “transparency, forthrightness, mutual trust, and respect” because Guerrero has consistently supplied the board with the information it needs to make proper decisions.

The review lauded Guerrero’s role in improving the overall image of NMC in the community due to his good relationship with the executive and legislative branches of the government as well as other government and private sector agencies and educational institutions within the Pacific region.

“Enhancing the college’s image has resulted in much needed additional revenue and alternative funding resources for NMC,” the review said.