Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The American Samoa Community College Board of Higher Education has chosen a new ASCC president, replacing Interim President Sonny J. Leomiti, who had taken the position vacated by former President Dr. Rosevonne Makaiwi-Pato when her contract was not renewed by the Board this year.

In a memorandum, dated September 2, 2026, the BHE Chairperson Dr. Oreta Mapu Crichton announced to ASCC Faculty, Staff, and Students that the new ASCC President is Ti’alemasunu Tupuola Dr. Mikaele Etuale, effective Sept. 8, 2026.

Dr. Crichton expressed a special note of thanks to Interim President Leomiti for his leadership during the past months, as well as to the faculty, staff, and students for their patience, resilience, and dedication through “this period of institutional transition”.

She noted that the newly chosen ASCC president brings an outstanding track record in education and public leadership across American Samoa; and, shared the following message from the incoming president to the ASCC community:

“Saili le Atamai — To Seek Knowledge. I am incredibly honored to return to the American Samoa Community College as its President. I look forward to collaborating closely with the Board, our talented faculty, dedicated staff, and inspiring students to build upon our legacy of academic excellence and service to our territory.”

The BHE chairperson concluded her announcement with a request to “please join us in giving a warm welcome to Ti’alemasunu Tupuola Dr. Mikaele Etuale and his family as we begin this exciting next chapter together.”

BACKGROUND

It was in April this year that the BHE formally notified then ASCC president Dr. Makaiwi-Pato, who had served as the President of ASCC for nearly 26 years, in a formal letter, signed by all eight members of the Board, that, “after careful consideration, the Board has determined that it will deny your contract renewal request.”  

The letter acknowledged her 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. 

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.

Dr. Makaiwi-Pato also 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 BHE 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.