Anita Borja Enriquez
Anita Borja Enriquez | |
|---|---|
| 12th President of University of Guam | |
| Assumed office August 5, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Thomas W. Krise |
| Personal details | |
| Education | University of Maryland, University College University of Guam Alliant International University |
Anita Borja Enriquez is a Guamanian academic administrator who became the 12th president of the University of Guam in 2023. Her career at the university has included roles as senior vice president, provost, and dean of the School of Business and Public Administration.
Early life and education
[edit]Enriquez experienced a poverty-stricken childhood in Hågat, Guam.[1][2] She is a product of both public and private schools.[3] Growing up, she knew what it was like to not have money for school.[3] Her family could not afford many books, so she frequently borrowed them from the Hågat Public Library to educate herself.[2] In her youth, she cleaned restroom toilets in exchange for hot lunches and milk.[2] Enriquez understood from an early age that higher education was critical for improving one's livelihood.[2]
Enriquez earned a B.S. in management from the University of Maryland, University College.[4] She completed a M.B.A. from University of Guam.[4] Enriquez earned a Doctor of Business Administration in International Business (Marketing) from Alliant International University.[4][5] After completing her doctorate in 1995, she returned to Guam to fulfill a service obligation as a PROTECH recipient.[6] Despite having a doctoral degree, she was initially only offered a position teaching typing, a situation that nearly led her to quit.[6]
Career
[edit]Enriquez held several key positions at the University of Guam (UOG).[5][7] She served as the dean of the UOG School of Business and Public Administration for about a decade[6] and later as senior vice president and provost.[5][7] During her tenure, she has been credited with launching the professional MBA program and helping to raise the university's graduation rates.[2]
In 2018, Enriquez was a finalist in the presidential search to find a successor for then-president Robert A. Underwood.[3] She was not on the initial list of three finalists but was added after another candidate withdrew.[3] Her addition followed concerns from students and community members that none of the initial candidates were from Guam or had a personal stake in the university.[3] As the only local and internal candidate, Enriquez stated she had a "very small" learning curve and that her "heart and soul is for this island, and this region".[3] At the time, she highlighted that 70 percent of UOG students required Pell Grant funding and that many dropped out due to financial struggles.[3] Her 2018 platform included expanding funding opportunities through the U.S. Department of Education and increasing the university's presence in villages through certificate programs and expanded online classes in fields like cybersecurity.[3]
In 2020, while serving as senior vice president, Enriquez was elected to a three-year term as a commissioner on the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).[8] Her term began on July 1.[8][5] She was one of five new commissioners elected and served as the Pacific Basin representative[8][5] with appointments to the Accreditation Policy and Procedure Committee and the International Accreditation Ad Hoc Committee.[8][5]
Presidency of the University of Guam
[edit]On June 22, 2023, the University of Guam Board of Regents selected Enriquez to become the university's 12th president.[7][9] The selection process began after the incumbent, Thomas W. Krise, announced his retirement.[9] The applicant pool of 31 was narrowed to three finalists: Enriquez, Guam Community College president Mary Okada, and professor and attorney LeGene Quesenberry.[7][2] Enriquez secured six of the nine regent votes.[7][9]
Enriquez officially began her tenure on August 5, 2023.[2] Her investiture ceremony was held on November 14, 2023, at the UOG Calvo Field House.[6] As president, she stated her first moves would be to stabilize the institution and strengthen its core offerings.[7] She outlined plans to work closely with community leaders and partners to ensure the university is responsive to the needs of the island.[7][9]
Personal life
[edit]Enriquez is married to Noel Enriquez and has three children and two granddaughters.[2]
Enriquez is the author of a children's book titled "Neni Girl from Agat, Guam," which tells a story about growing up in the village of Hågat.[1] The book, illustrated by local artist Cianna Yanger, was inspired by Enriquez's own experiences and heritage.[1] The project expanded to include plush dolls of the main characters, created with the help of another local artist, Kaiulani Lujan.[1] The book and dolls have been used in philanthropic efforts, with donations made to the island's foster children.[1]
Enriquez has been active in Rotary International, helping students with book projects and coordinating major scholarships.[6] Enriquez served as the president of the Rotary Club of Pago Bay and is active in the Guam Women's Chamber.[6]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e Matanane, Tyler (2021-12-26). "Dr. Anita Borja Enriquez's wonderful children's story inspires others to give back". Kuam News. Retrieved 2025-06-07.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Gilbert, Haidee Eugenio (2023-11-14). "Enriquez: From cleaning toilets in exchange for hot lunches to now UOG president because of education". Guam Pacific Daily News. Retrieved 2025-06-07.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Cruz, Manny (2018-06-18). ""Very small" learning curve for current UOG VP Anita Borja Enriquez". Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Retrieved 2025-06-07.
- ^ a b c "Anita B. Enriquez". WSCUC. Archived from the original on 2025-06-07. Retrieved 2025-06-07.
- ^ a b c d e f "UOG's Enriquez elected to serve on WASC commission". Guam Pacific Daily News. 2020-07-15. Retrieved 2025-06-07.
- ^ a b c d e f McNinch, Ron (2023-11-23). "Dr. Anita Borja Enriquez: FYI". The Guam Daily Post. Archived from the original on 2025-06-07. Retrieved 2025-06-07.
- ^ a b c d e f g Toves, Jolene (2023-06-24). "Enriquez selected as UOG president". The Guam Daily Post. Archived from the original on 2025-06-07. Retrieved 2025-06-07.
- ^ a b c d "UOG's Enriquez chosen as WASC commissioner". KUAM News. 2020-07-03. Archived from the original on 2025-06-07. Retrieved 2025-06-07.
- ^ a b c d "Dr. Anita Borja Enriquez to serve as 12th UOG president". Marianas Variety News & Views. 2023-06-23. Archived from the original on 2025-06-07. Retrieved 2025-06-07.
- Living people
- People from Hågat, Guam
- Alliant International University alumni
- University of Guam faculty
- 21st-century American women academics
- 21st-century American women writers
- American women children's writers
- Guamanian writers
- 21st-century Guamanian people
- Women heads of universities and colleges
- Heads of universities and colleges in the United States
- American women academic administrators
- University of Maryland Global Campus alumni
- University of Guam alumni