Education
UOG honors Dr. Judith Guthertz as Vice President Emerita
By
University of Guam February 7, 2025
Jonas D. Macapinlac, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
University of Guam February 7, 2025
Dr. Judith Guthertz was formally conferred the title of Vice President Emerita in the Society of Emeritus Professors & Retired Scholars (SEPRS) during a recognition ceremony held on January 28, 2025, at the University of Guam President’s Office. Seated (right to left): Dr. Lawrence Kasperbauer, SEPRS Vice President; Dr. Anita Borja Enriquez, UOG President; Dr. Judith Guthertz; and Dr. Roseann Jones, Dean of the School of Business and Public Administration. Standing (left to right): Julie Laxamana, Student Regent; Dr. Maria Claret Ruane, Professor of Economics; Kristine Sayama, Extension Agent II; Ashley Topasña, 63rd Student Government Association Senator; Dr. Kathy Wood, SEPRS Secretary; Dr. Sharleen Santos-Bamba, Senior Vice President and Provost; Dr. Hiro Kurashina, SEPRS President; Dr. Rebecca Stephenson, Professor Emerita of Anthropology; Dr. Leila Kabigting, Associate Professor of Finance; Deborah Toves, Administrative Assistant; Dr. Joanne Diego, Assistant Professor of Human Resource Management; Dr. Ronald McNinch, Associate Professor of Public Administration; and Keana Ardiente, 63rd Student Government Association Vice President. (University of Guam)
The University of Guam has recognized Dr. Judith “Judi” Guthertz for her decades of dedication and service by naming her Vice President Emerita in the Society of Emeritus Professors & Retired Scholars (SEPRS). The honor was formally conferred during a special ceremony held at the UOG President’s Office on January 28, 2025.
Dr. Guthertz, Professor of Legal Studies, was nominated for the distinction by Dr. Roseann Jones, Dean of the School of Business and Public Administration, along with faculty colleagues. Her recognition was unanimously approved by the UOG Board of Regents in Resolution No. 24-29, reflecting her extensive contributions to the university and the broader Guam community. The event brought together current SEPRS members, faculty, staff, administrators, and students to celebrate her remarkable career.
With over 50 years of service at UOG, Dr. Guthertz has held numerous leadership roles, including tenured professor of Public Administration and Legal Studies, chair of the Public Administration and Legal Studies Program, and Vice President of Academic Affairs. She also served as Acting President of UOG, appointed by the Board of Regents in the 2000s. Beyond academia, Dr. Guthertz has had a distinguished public service career, including roles as a senator in the Guam Legislature and Acting Chief of Police, among others.
During the ceremony, UOG President Dr. Anita Borja Enriquez presented Dr. Guthertz with a certificate of recognition, highlighting her lifelong commitment to student success.
“Across her 50 years at UOG, one thing has remained constant—her unwavering dedication to our students,” said President Enriquez. “She has been instrumental in helping students understand real-world challenges with economic and social implications, preparing them to serve effectively in both local and federal government roles.”
Dean Jones also praised Dr. Guthertz’s mentorship and lasting influence, stating: “Throughout her career, Dr. Guthertz has been a pillar of support and generosity. She has a natural ability to inspire and uplift those around her. Faculty, students, and community members respect her deeply because she genuinely cares.”
Dr. Hiro Kurashina, President of SEPRS, commended Dr. Guthertz’s impressive academic and public service portfolio, congratulating her on this well-deserved honor and officially welcoming her into the society.
About SEPRS
The Society of Emeritus Professors & Retired Scholars (SEPRS) harnesses the expertise of retired faculty members to support the university’s mission through teaching, research, and public service. SEPRS is housed in Emeritus Hall, located at the Micronesian Area Research Center (MARC) and Computer Center building on the UOG campus. For more information about SEPRS, visit www.uog.edu/seprs.