The Acting Chairman of the Board of Higher Education, Uta Dr. Laloulu Tagoilelagi submitted his resignation to Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula on Thursday.
Uta thanked the Governor for the opportunity afforded him to serve as a member of the BHE and said since his tenure, the board has worked diligently to make necessary changes and transformation to the institute of higher learning, the American Samoa Community College. He pointed out that the college is in much better conditions today, with greatly improved morale and a more productive work culture.
Uta said it has been an honor for him to work alongside members of the Board of Higher Education in achieving numerous goals in bettering the quality of education, professional development, and integrity of ASCC.
He said that he was resigning from the board effective Dec 4, 2025, due to other professional and family obligations, and added that he is stepping down “with no regrets.”
When contacted by KHJ News, Uta said that he feels it is time for him to step down and let the other board members perform their duties in moving the college forward.
Asked if his resignation is related to the status of ASCC President Dr. Rosevonne Makaiwi-Pato, Uta explained that the Board had voted unanimously to extend Dr. Pato’s contract—which ended December 1, 2025—to February 2, 2026. However, some members later changed their position after a request from Dr. Pato for an extension up to June 30. He also indicated that when the Board met with Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula, he had recommended that Dr. Pato’s contract be extended.
Uta said that he is only one board member and will not stand in the way of the majority wish of the board. So he feels it is time for him to leave.
“I have no regrets,” he said. “I feel I have been on the board long enough, and it’s time for the new people that the Governor has appointed to take over.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Pato’s contract has been extended up to June 30.
