Higher Education board outlines transition after not renewing ASCC president’s contact

By Samoa News staff reporters@samoanews.com Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Board of Higher Education has opted not to renew the contract of Dr. Rosevonne Makaiwi-Pato, who has served as the President of the American Samoa Community College (ASCC) for nearly 26 years. In a formal letter dated April 30 and signed by all eight members of the Board, Dr. Makaiwi-Pato was officially notified that, “after careful consideration, the Board has determined that it will deny your contract renewal request.” The letter acknowledged Dr. Makaiwi-Pato's extensive contributions over her long tenure, noting, “We recognize and sincerely appreciate your 25 years and 9 months of leadership and service to the college.” However, it also highlighted that, following recent changes in Board membership, the Board is working to establish a clear strategic direction and shared priorities for the institution's future. To facilitate a smooth transition, the Board outlined a timeline commencing on May 19, 2026, with the goal of concluding the transition by June 30, 2026. During this transitional period, the Board expressed its intention to collaborate closely with Dr. Makaiwi-Pato to plan for her successor, outline responsibilities, and coordinate related handoff activities. This careful planning aims to ensure that ASCC can continue its important work without interruption. The letter emphasized that the Board is committed to ensuring this transition is managed professionally and respectfully, in accordance with applicable policies and contract terms. The letter concludes with signatures from several prominent Board members, including BHE Chairperson Dr. Oreta Mapu-Crichton, Vice Chairperson Dr. Lina Galeai-Scanlan, and Board members Pualani Pulu Fui, Sesula Fepuleai McMoore-Tufele, Loata Sipili, Maefau Dr. Mary Taufetee, Brigette Taeatafa-Moala, and Toalei Toelupe. Dr. Makaiwi-Pato addressed ASCC faculty and staff in a heartfelt thank-you and farewell email sent out on the following Monday. In her message, she expressed sincere gratitude for their efforts in organizing a well-planned and executed graduation ceremony the previous Friday, highlighting their vital role in preparing graduates for both further education and successful entry into the workforce. In her email, she also conveyed her appreciation for their unwavering support and belief in her leadership throughout her time as ASCC President. “The journey has been an uphill climb, marked by numerous challenges and sacrifices that we have all made together to ensure that our college stands strong and meets the evolving needs of our students,” Dr. Makaiwi-Pato wrote. She underscored the institution's role in serving the community and territory as a UJS-accredited higher education institution. Dr. Makaiwi-Pato shared an important update regarding her contract status, indicating she received a notice of non-renewal effective May 18, and attached the Board's letter for transparency. “In all professional transparency, I share this with you as the Board works toward recruitment of a new President. This comes with mixed emotions – a sadness at leaving an institution where we have worked toward our mission as a family of educators, friends, and colleagues, and at this chapter now coming to an end in my leadership. Yet I leave with a joy that I have been blessed so abundantly to have worked with professionals and dedicated, committed, and talented individuals who have left their mark in my heart”. In closing, Dr. Makaiwi-Pato urged her colleagues to support the Board of Higher Education in its upcoming search for a new President who will lead ASCC to even greater heights. She also encouraged faculty and staff to consider taking on leadership roles themselves, emphasizing the importance of continuity and a shared vision for the college's future. Section: Local News Tags: ASCC
2026-05-22 16:00:00