Legislative committee receives unanimous support testimony for Marcus Fong’s return to UOG Board of Regents

At a public hearing of the Thirty‑Eighth Guam Legislature Committee on Education, Libraries and Public Broadcasting, university leaders, the Board of Regents chair and community representatives offered testimony supporting the appointment of Marcus Fong to the University of Guam Board of Regents to fill an unexpired term that runs through Oct. 18, 2026.

The testimony focused on Fong’s prior service to the university, his business and civic leadership, and the board’s need for governance and financial experience as UOG seeks to strengthen programs and partnerships. The hearing included statements from Charlene Santos Bamba, the university’s senior vice president and provost; Agabito Diaz, chair of the Board of Regents; and Fong himself. The committee did not vote during the hearing and said it would accept written testimony for seven days.

Charlene Santos Bamba, senior vice president and provost at the University of Guam, praised Fong’s prior governance record and his ties to the university, saying, “Mister Fong embodies all of these qualities.” Bamba reviewed Fong’s academic credentials and service, noting he graduated magna cum laude in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, majoring in finance and economics, and that he previously served on the Board of Regents from 2009 to February 2015 in leadership roles including treasurer and vice chairperson.

Agabito Diaz, who identified himself as chair of the Board of Regents and former chair of the regent nominating committee, described Fong’s record of civic service and said the board expects Fong to contribute fiscal and strategic oversight. “I respectfully urge the legislature to provide favorable concurrence,” Diaz said.

Fong told the committee he is a UOG alumnus, that he serves on several local boards, and that his priorities include adapting the university’s programs to changing student needs and revenue realities. “The University of Guam is the cornerstone of higher education in our region,” Fong said, adding that delivery models, shorter certificates and partnerships deserve attention as UOG competes with online and off‑island institutions.

Witnesses and senators also discussed the university’s funding mix—federal grants, local appropriations and tuition—and the need to evaluate all revenue sources as the university pursues self‑sufficiency. Committee members asked Fong about challenges in higher education and potential revenue strategies; Fong said the university should evaluate all funding “buckets” and seek federal grants, tuition strategies and other opportunities but did not propose a specific new program at the hearing.

No formal motion or vote occurred during the public hearing. Senator Vincent Borja, chairman of the committee, said the panel would continue to accept written testimony for seven days and that the committee would prepare a report for further legislative action. The committee adjourned without taking a confirmation vote during the hearing.

The record provided at the hearing also lists Fong’s business affiliations and civic roles mentioned in testimony: chief executive officer of Foremost Foods Incorporated and Coca‑Cola Beverage Guam Company; managing director of Glimpses Advertising and Media; chief executive officer of Good2Go; membership on the Guam Chamber of Commerce board; and service as chairman of the American Red Cross Guam chapter and on the Guam Business Partners for Recycling advisory board. These affiliations were cited by witnesses as evidence of his business and civic experience.

Written testimony may be submitted to the committee chair within seven days as specified during the hearing.