Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On Wednesday, November 26, 2025, Governor Pulaali’i Nikolau Pula, in a general memorandum made appointments to the Board of Higher Education (BHE) to fill vacancies created by the expiration of terms of four (4) board members.

The announcement of the recess appointments comes two days after a letter from the BHE, dated Nov 24, 2025, to the American Samoa Community College (ASCC) faculty, staff and students informing them that the College’s President’s contract was not being renewed.

ASCC president Dr. Rosevonne M. Pato’s contract is expiring on December 1, 2025. The letter notes that the president and ASCC leadership were informed of the BHE board decision on Nov. 24th during a Board meeting.

The BHE expressed their appreciation for Dr. Pato’s contributions and service to ASCC, and wished her the best in her future endeavors.

The letter further states that effective December 2, 2025, BHE Chair Rev. Elder Fouvale Asiata would step in as interim president until further notice, and is signed by Rev. Asiata, as Chair of the BHE.

The ASCC administration and students are said to be shocked by the BHE announcement/ letter.

With the governor’s memo, dated Nov 26th, released, there are now questions about BHE’s decision,

One of the questions is whether or not the decision not to renew Dr. Pato's contract is valid due to four of the 8-member board’s terms have expired: Two of the 8-member board’s terms expired in August 2024; and, another two expired in August 2025.

Notably, the chair of the BHE is one of the members whose terms has expired, and which the letter states the Board has selected as the interim ASCC president.

However, Samoa News should point out that members of the BHE whose terms have expired are allowed to continue to serve and conduct official business until their successors are appointed and qualified (confirmed) under the “holdover” provision included in the law that established the BHE. The clause is said to ensure continuity in the board’s functions.

Another question raised is whether the recess appointments will generate a decision that would gainsay the Nov. 24th decision by the BHE. It should be noted that there is no mention in the governor’s memo of Dr. Pato’s contract expiration or of the board’s decision not to renew her contract.

With ASCC heading into Christmas holidays and the fact that the Fono will not move on the recess appointments until the next Fono session, it means Dr. Pato, barring unforeseen circumstances, will step down today, Dec. 1st as indicated in the letter.

The general memorandum states only that “pursuant to authority vested in the Governor under Article IV, Section 11 of the Revised Constitution of American Samoa, Title 4, Section 4.0112 (a) and Title 16, Section 16.2003.1 (b) of the American Samoa Code Annotated, the following appointments are hereby made to the Board of Higher Education to fill vacancies created by the expiration of terms of the following members:

Expired Terms:

Dr. Rev. Elder Siulagi Solomon — term expired Aug. 27, 2025

Rev. Elder Fouvale Asiata — term expired Aug. 1, 2025

Rev. Iasepi Ulu — term expired Aug. 1, 2024

Dr. Getrude Iuli — term expired Aug. 1, 2024

Recess Appointments (Four-year terms) are listed as:

Dr. Ruth Tofiga

Loata Sipili, RN

Brigitte Moala

Sesula Fepulea’i McMoore-Tufele

The memo goes on to state that “these recess appointments are effective immediately and are subject to nomination and confirmation by the Legislature at it next regular session…”

The eight-member BHE comprises six members appointed by the Governor, and confirmed by the Legislature; the Director of Education, who serves as an ex-officio member; and, one student representative, who is a second-year student elected at a school-wide election. The appointed members serve staggered four-year terms to ensure continuity.

The BHE’s general mission is to oversee the ASCC and has powers and duties that include reviewing and approving educational programs, granting degrees, and selecting the College President.