Announcement from the Board of Regents
The College of Micronesia-FSM Board of Regents Announcement July 25, 2022
The College of Micronesia-FSM Board of Regents has announced that former FSM President Emanuel (Manny) Mori has accepted the position as the Interim President of the college until the permanent position is filled at the end of Fall 2022. The Board and College Community wish to thank Mrs. Karen Simion for accepting the role of interim president for the past two years. It was a difficult time for the college with adaptations required for the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous restrictions and novel challenges.
During the past two years, the interim administration significantly contributed to the success of the college and has resulted in a host of major accomplishments including the following:
- A new 4-year Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an Emphasis in Accounting program.
- The new BP 3400 policy that provides the information and process for students to have prior learning assessed and counted towards graduation.
- The “Employee of the Month” program to recognize employees demonstrating professionalism and teamwork, two of the college’s core values.
- The submission of the college’s Institutional Self Evaluation Report (ISER) for reaffirmation of accreditation.
- The successful management and implementation of the ever-changing COVID-19 protocols and procedures, including the mandatory testing and vaccination required by the FSM National Government.
- The rapid change to online instruction during the pandemic, and working towards getting the college fully accredited to provide online instruction.
- Successful implementation of US HEERF Funds in dealing with the COVID-19 response and preparation for the college’s pandemic readiness.
- The submission of a successful application for use of the USDOE HEERF funds to construct a new National Campus Teaching Clinic to be used for COVID-19 vaccine administration and treatment for the neighboring communities and training of students in the medical field.
- Overall college readiness to COVID-19 for facilities and offices, currently being implemented in response to the pandemic outbreak in Pohnpei and Kosrae States.
The incoming Interim President, Mr. Emanuel (Manny) Mori, has extensive experience in organizational leadership and strategic management, having served as the President of the FSM from 2007 to 2015. Prior to public office, he served as President and CEO of the FSM Development Bank for 16 years, contributing to the nation’s initial years of development of the private sector. He also held the post of Executive Vice President of the Bank of the FSM until his election to Congress as Chuuk State’s at-large representative, where he held dual Vice Chairmanship of the committee on Judiciary and Governmental Operations and the committee on Health, Education and Social Affairs. He also served as the Chairman of the committee on Ways and Means, the committee on Resources and Development and Vice Chairman of the committee on External Affairs. He has a strong background in business management and finance and is regarded for his candid and often tenacious approach to fiscal discipline.
President Mori previously served on the Planning Council for COM-FSM and currently serves as the Executive Director of Institutional Advancement and External Affairs for COM-FSM. Under his leadership of the college’s 25th Anniversary Celebration, the Endowment Fund was re-energized which has reached $9.9 million dollars as of May 31, 2022. Notwithstanding his distinguished career, President Mori is held in great respect by his peers and colleagues, across the college and government, as well as private sector and civil society.
“The college is embarking on a new Strategic Plan, which we have sought President Mori’s leadership in commencing. In anticipation of the Presidential Search Committee’s advice towards the permanent role of the President of COM-FSM, the Board is confident that President Mori possesses the leadership qualities and necessary foresight in encouraging the college to see itself as an innovator in many areas, ensuring that all the necessary connections are made and maintained and that the college is ready for its next phase, in preparation for and until such time that a new President is named,” stated Chair Gallen.
President Mori’s appointment will become effective August 9th. In the meantime, Vice President for Administrative Services Mr. Joseph Habuchmai will serve as Acting President.
