NMC names Dr. Debra Cabrera to dean post

The Northern Marianas College announced yesterday the appointment of Debra T. Cabrera, Ph.D., as dean of Academic Programs and Services.

Cabrera, who had been carrying out the duties of the dean of Academic Programs and Services in an acting capacity for the last five months, was selected among a pool of other highly qualified candidates to permanently fill the position. Her chief responsibilities include overseeing six academic departments and ensuring that all students’ academic needs are sufficiently met.

“Dr. Cabrera’s appointment is timely and vital as we move forward with NMC’s effort to obtain full accreditation,” said NMC president Dr. Carmen Fernandez. “She brings a wealth of knowledge, talent, and experience to the management team.”

Prior to becoming dean of Academic Programs and Services, Cabrera served in various academic positions at NMC, the University of Kentucky, and Ohio University. Most recently she worked as a social sciences instructor in NMC’s Social Sciences and Fine Arts Department. Currently, Cabrera is also the Accreditation Liaison Officer for the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges and the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities.

A graduate of Mr. Carmel High School, Cabrera attended college classes at the Northern Marianas College, University of Wisconsin in Madison, and later earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology from Washington State University. She graduated with her master’s degree in sociology from Ohio University in 1994 and later earned a doctorate degree in sociology from the University of Kentucky in 2001.

“Over the last several months, the college has made significant progress in strengthening our administrative capacity, which has been an issue that the ACCJC have warned us about repeatedly,” Dr. Fernandez said. “Having more experienced and highly competent leadership team members like Dr. Cabrera will greatly aid the college’s accreditation efforts.”

Other recent additions to the NMC management team include Wil Castro, director of Institutional Effectiveness, who was hired in February 2008, and Daisy Villagomez-Bier, dean of Student Services, who joined in December 2007. The other management team members are Tee Abraham, dean of COMPASS; Adrian Atalig, director of Information Technology; Mark Mendiola, director of Institutional Advancement; Martin Mendiola, Rota Instructional Site Program Coordinator; and Maria Aguon, Tinian Instructional Site Program Coordinator. [B][I](NMC)[/I][/B]