The University of Guam Board of Regents and Dr. Anita Borja Enriquez last week executed the contract officially appointing her as the 12th president of UOG.

Dr. Enriquez assumed her new role as president effective August 6, following a search process that began with 30 U.S. and international applicants and was later whittled down to three finalists. She moves to the presidency after serving as the senior vice president and provost at UOG for the last 10 years.

"The Board is excited about the future of the University under her capable leadership," said Chairperson Liza Provido. "We are confident that she will bring a wealth of experience, leadership, and vision to her new role, leading UOG to even greater heights."

Over her 30-year career at UOG, Dr. Enriquez has held other administrator positions — including serving as the first female CHamoru dean of the UOG School of Business and Public Administration, interim director of the Center for Continuing Education and Outreach Programs, and most recently, the senior vice president and provost.

In addition to her career in academia, Dr. Enriquez has extensive private sector experience in organizational management and marketing and as an entrepreneur. She believes her careers in private enterprise and public service fuels her passion for workforce and economic development for the island and the rest of Micronesia.

"The University of Guam is a conduit that energizes our economy, provides our community opportunities for social mobility, informs public policy, and cultivates our future thought leaders," said Dr. Enriquez.

Thankful for the Board’s vote of confidence, Dr. Enriquez said she will be guided by Guam's “cultural values of respect, of compassion, of community.

The University's mission is 'Ina, Deskubre, Setbe — To Enlighten, To Discover, To Serve," she said. "Student-centered focus and service to our island and region is woven into everything we do as a university."

Dr. Enriquez holds a Bachelor of Science in Management from the University of Maryland Global Campus, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Guam, and a Doctor of Business Administration in International Business Administration (Marketing) from Alliant International University.

Dr. Enriquez is the second woman to become president in the 71-year history of UOG. The late Rosa Carter was president of the university from 1977 to 1983.

The transition in leadership follows the completion of former President Thomas W. Krise’s five-year term on August 5.

The schedule for Dr. Enriquez's investiture ceremony will be announced in the coming weeks.

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• Dr. Anita Borja Enriquez to serve as 12th UOG president