The meeting focuses on coordinated advocacy by the Freely Associated States for sustained federal support of the regional Land-Grant program and its federal fundings.
KOROR, PALAU

KOROR, PALAU — In conjunction with the Board of Regents meeting, leaders of the College of Micronesia Land Grant Program (COMLGP) met with His Excellency Hersey Kyota, Ambassador of the Republic of Palau to the United States and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, to discuss coordinated regional advocacy and stronger support for COMLGP.

The meeting brought together the COMLGP Board of Regents; Executive Director Stanley Lorennij; the Central Office administrative team; the presidents of the program’s three partner colleges; and Cooperative Research and Extension (CRE) vice presidents. Ambassador Kyota was accompanied by First Secretary Tester Yalap.

Discussions focused on how the three Freely Associated States — the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia — can work collectively to strengthen and advance COMLGP. Participants emphasized the importance of a unified regional approach to sustaining federal investment in research, Extension and capacity-building programs that serve communities across Micronesia.

A central objective is to strengthen engagement among the diplomatic representatives of the three nations and coordinate advocacy before the U.S. Congress. Through a shared message, the partners aim to ensure that Micronesia’s unique geographic, economic and food-security needs are clearly represented in federal funding discussions affecting the Land-Grant program.

In remarks to the Board of Regents and partner college leaders, Ambassador Kyota reaffirmed his commitment to working with his counterparts from the other Freely Associated States. The meeting underscored a common goal: ensuring that Micronesia speaks with a strong, collective voice in Washington in support of COMLGP’s future.

Sitting from left to right in the (front row) Dr. Emais Roberts, Chairman of the Board of Regents for the College of Micronesia Land Grant Program representing the Republic of Palau; Mrs. Lynn Sonden, serving as proxy for the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM); His Excellency Mr. Hersey Kyota, Ambassador of the Republic of Palau to the United States and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps; and Regent Gerald Zakios of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. In the (back row) Mr. Stanley Lorennij, Executive Director of the Central Office for the College of Micronesia Land Grant Program; Mr. Steven Young-Uhk, Vice President of COM-FSM CRE; Mrs. Meitaka Kendall Lekka, Interim President of the College of the Marshall Islands (CMI); Dr. Theresa Koroivulaono, President of the College of Micronesia, FSM (COM-FSM); Dr. Patrick Telley, President of Palau Community College (PCC); Mr. Doman Doas, Chief Financial Officer of the Central Office; Mr. Adedayo Ogunmokun, Vice President of CMI CRE; and Mr. Betson Ifamilik, Communications and Information Technology Officer, (CITO).

PALAU | AUGUST 27–28, 2026 2026

PALAU — The College of Micronesia Land Grant Program (COMLGP) Board of Regents convened at Palau Community College on August 27–28, bringing regional leaders together to review the program’s financial position, grant portfolio, policy priorities and future direction.

The two-day meeting drew the presidents of COMLGP’s three partner colleges, Cooperative Research and Extension (CRE) vice presidents, researchers, directors, support staff and members of the central office administrative team led by Executive Director Stanley Lorennij.

Republic of Palau Governor Emais Roberts chaired the meeting. Regent Lynn Sonden served as proxy representative for the Federated States of Micronesia, while Minister of Education and Sports Gerald Zackios represented the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

The partner-college presidents in attendance were Dr. Patrick Tellei of Palau Community College; Dr. Theresa Koroivulaono of the College of Micronesia-Federated States of Micronesia; and Interim President Meitaka Kendall Lekka of the College of the Marshall Islands.

Following welcoming remarks by Tellei, Roberts, Sonden and Zackios addressed the Board. The agenda then turned to follow-up actions from the April 2026 meeting in the Marshall Islands, including approval of the previous meeting’s minutes and reviews of the budget, capacity and competitive grants, proposed policies and resolutions. Members also discussed issues arising from the U.S. secretary of education’s call to action.

Financial stewardship remained a central focus. Jason Miyashita, managing director and senior vice president at Raymond James, presented an updated analysis of the investment portfolio and recommendations aimed at strengthening the colleges’ endowment fund.

The COMLGP Central Office and chief financial officer also provided a comprehensive financial report, giving the Board and partner-college leaders an updated picture of the program’s funding and overall fiscal position.

The meeting concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment to sound governance, responsible financial management and continued collaboration among the three partner colleges. The Federated States of Micronesia will host the next Board of Regents meeting in November 2026.

Sitting from Left to Right (front row center) President of Palau Community College Dr. Patrick Telley, FSM board of regent proxy, Mrs. Lynn Sonden, Interim President of the College of the Marshall Islands, Mrs, Meitaka Kendall Lekka, President of the College of Micronesia FSM, Dr. Theresa Koroivulaono, Back Center behind PCC president, Hon. Emais Robert, chairman of the Board of regents of the Republic of Palau, next to him is Hon. Gerald Zakios and Board of regents to the republic of the Marshall Islands. The rest are central office staff and delegates of the CMI and FSM CRE with PCC CRE staff.