Partnering with WICHE since 2016
In 2016, Guam joined WICHE and became the second member of the US Pacific Territories and Freely Associated States membership (the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands was the first to join in 2012). American Samoa, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau are also eligible to join WICHE under the same membership.
Guam students saved $1.5M through WICHE’s Student Access Programs (Academic Year 2021-22)
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) saves Guam undergraduate students on out-of-state tuition. They pay no more than 150% of in-state tuition at partner institutions across the West.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) saves Guam students on out-of-state graduate certificate, master’s and doctoral programs. They pay no more than 150% of in-state tuition at partner institutions across the West.
Professional Student Exchange Program (PSEP) students pursuing careers in 10 health fields can enroll in programs in the WICHE region and receive substantial tuition support from their home state/territory.
Representing CNMI, Vice President, Administration and Advancement, Northern Marianas College
Representing CNMI, Vice President, Administration and Advancement, Northern Marianas College
Frankie Eliptico is Vice President, Administration and Advancement at Northern Marianas College (NMC). He has played an integral leadership role in NMC recovery efforts in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yutu. His work on NMC marketing and branding efforts has been recognized nationally, and he was named Communicator of the Year in the District VI (Western U.S.) region of the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations. In addition to being a WICHE Commissioner, he has served as chair of the Northern Marianas Humanities Council and serves on the board of governors of the Asia Pacific Association for Fiduciary Studies.
Attorney, Partner, Calvo Fisher & Jacob LLP
Attorney, Partner, Calvo Fisher & Jacob LLP
Rodney Jacob is a partner in Calvo Fisher & Jacob’s Guam office, past president of the Guam Bar Association and lawyer representative to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Guam. Jacob has worked extensively in leadership positions for schools and universities in the mainland U.S., Guam, Micronesia, and the Philippines to promote access to basic and higher education and for the purpose of advocating for those living on the margins in his community. In 2016 he took the lead in advocating for Guam’s membership in WICHE as part of the U.S. Pacific Territories and Freely Associated States membership. Since that occurred six years ago, Jacob has worked to ensure that Guam’s and Micronesia’s political and educational leaders, students, and other stakeholders know of, and utilize, the benefits provided through WICHE.
Jacob has also worked extensively to improve the administration of justice within the local and federal courts throughout Guam and Micronesia. He is admitted to the bar in California, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). Jacob received his B.S. and J.D. from Georgetown University. He was the law clerk to Judge Lawrence Howard, Arizona Court of Appeals (1989-1990) and to Chief Justice Jose Dela Cruz, CNMI Supreme Court (1993-1995). He grew up in Tucson, Arizona.
Senator, Republic of the Marshall Islands
Senator, Republic of the Marshall Islands
Kalani Kaneko has served as a Senator in the Republic of the Marshall Islands Legislature since 2016 and represents the Capital City of Majuro Atoll. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Heath, Education, and Social Affairs (HESA) committee and has been a member for two terms.
In addition, Senator Kaneko is currently a member of the Marshall Islands Scholarships, Grant, and Loan Board (MISGLB). The MISGLB serves as oversight for the nation’s scholarship program for postsecondary education locally and overseas.
Senator Kaneko is a graduate of Post University with degrees in Marketing and Business Management.
Senator, Republic of the Marshall Islands
Senator, Republic of the Marshall Islands
Kalani Kaneko has served as a Senator in the Republic of the Marshall Islands Legislature since 2016 and represents the Capital City of Majuro Atoll. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Heath, Education, and Social Affairs (HESA) committee and has been a member for two terms.
In addition, Senator Kaneko is currently a member of the Marshall Islands Scholarships, Grant, and Loan Board (MISGLB). The MISGLB serves as oversight for the nation’s scholarship program for postsecondary education locally and overseas.
Senator Kaneko is a graduate of Post University with degrees in Marketing and Business Management.
Senator, Guam Legislature
Senator, Guam Legislature
Senator, Guam Legislature
Senator, Guam Legislature