Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula has made four recess appointments to the Board of Higher Education,which oversees the American Samoa Community College.
They are Dr. Ruth Tofiga, Loata Sipili, Brigitte Moala, and Sesula Fepuleai McMoore Tufele. They replace Rev. Elder Fouvale Asiata, whose term expired August 1, 2025; Rev. Iasepi Ulu, whose term expired August 1, 2024; the late Rev. Elder Siulagi Solomona, whose term expired August 27, 2025; and the late Dr. Gertrude Iuli, whose term expired August 1, 2024.
The only board members whose terms are current are Pualani Fui, who serves as Secretary to the Board, and Uta Dr. Laloulu Tagoilelagi. Director of Education Maefau Dr. Mary Taufetee and a student representative serve as ex-officio members.
The Governor said that the recess appointments are effective immediately and are subject to nomination and confirmation by the Legislature at its next regular session.
As listeners will recall, on Monday, November 24, Board Chairman, Rev. Elder Fouvale Asiata sent out a memo informing ASCC administration, faculty, and staff that the Board had decided not to renew the contract of ASCC President Dr. Rosevonne Makaiwi-Pato, which expires December 1, 2025. The memo also advised that, effective December 2, Rev. Asiata would step into the role of Acting ASCC President.
With the Governor’s recess appointments now in effect, it remains to be seen how the new board members would proceed with the decision on Dr. Pato and appointment of an Acting President.
