President’s Message to the Community

October 11, 2019

Dear Colleagues and members of the COM-FSM Community,

Next week the Board of Regents and I will join together at the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) Leadership Congress.

This Congress provides an opportunity for us to discuss and plan steps to further accomplish the work spelled out in the April 2018 “presidential white paper.”

The Board of Regents and I look forward to our time together at ACCT, as we gather once again to learn and to grow in our respective roles.  As we participate in this important conference, we will be mindful of the good work we have all accomplished for COM-FSM and the students we serve. 

Our collective efforts have not gone unnoticed. Indeed, throughout the region we are now often seen as a model of best practices in many areas of higher education. It is a light that shines brightly on all of us who have shared in this journey. My appreciation for all of your work, dedication, and accomplishment on behalf of the students we serve is without measure.

I was touched by the sentiments recently expressed by Chairman Waguk in a letter that stated, “I join my fellow Regents in expressing our sincere gratitude and deep appreciation for your outstanding services with the College of Micronesia-FSM over the past eight and plus years. I would also like to thank you for being so patient and humble in many ways advising and guiding the BOR in our work.”

As I have discussed with the Board of Regents over the last few months, after more than eight years as President and CEO of the College of Micronesia-FSM it is time for me to consider next steps and my next opportunities to serve as I approach the end of my current contract in July 2020. 

In keeping with my on-going pledge to openly communicate with the college community, I now want to inform you that I have been selected as a finalist for the position of Chancellor of Kaua’i Community College and invited to meet with campus and system administrators, faculty, staff, students, and community members there from November 12-13, 2019.

It is an honor to be considered by peers and colleagues in such a way. It also reflects well on COM-FSM and its reputation in the region. In many ways, this is a testimonial to the good work that we have all accomplished together over the past eight years. 

While no one can be certain of the outcome at Kaua’i Community College, I will continue to be mindful of the need for a constructive transition for COM-FSM and will keep you apprised of developments.

What I know for certain is that the mission, values, and plans that have carried us forward these past eight years will continue to serve the college well and guide COM-FSM’s destiny.

 It is a privilege for me to serve you as your president.

Warm regards,

Joe

Joseph M Daisy, EdD

President & CEO

College of Micronesia-FSM