The Board of Higher Education has decided to extend, for a few months, the contract of the President of the American Samoa Community College, Dr. Rosevonne Makaiwi-Pato.
Dr. Pato’s contract ended yesterday, December 1, and she had been advised by former Board Chairman Rev. Elder Fouvale Asiata that the board had reached a decision not to renew her contract,
The former chairman was to begin serving as Acting ASCC President effective today, December 2.
However, last week Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula made four recess appointments to the board, replacing Rev. Elder Asiata, whose term expired August 1st this year; Rev. Iasepi Ulu, whose term expired August 1, 2024; and two other members of the board, Rev. Elder Siulagi Solomona and Dr. Gertrude Iuli, who have passed away.
Two senior officials at the college said board members who met Monday at the Governor’s Office were Uta Dr. Laloulu Tagoilelagi, Pualani Fui, Maefau Dr. Mary Taufete’e, student representative Taolei Toelupe, and three of the four recess appointees: Loata Sipili, Brigette Moala, and Sesula Fepuleai McMoore. The fourth appointee, Dr. Ruth Matagi Tofiga, has reportedly declined to be a member of the board.
According to our sources, just how long the extension is for is still being finalized and can range from two months to six months.
The board is expected to inform the college administration, faculty, and students that Dr. Pato will remain as ASCC President for the time being, once the extension term is decided.
