by Hello SoACE Membership,
As the summer gets into full swing, many of us use this time of year to take a deep breath, re-group and maybe even find some time for a little vacation. I hope SoACE members are able to do all three before the pace picks up and students return in full swing. As you plan for the future semester(s) ahead, its always good to review what has been and appreciate what was accomplished over the past year. With our lives seemingly becoming busier by the day, I would like to encourage everyone to look in the rear-view mirror just for a second.
Your new SoACE Board will be convening in late July to plan for the year ahead. Over the past year, the Board and its many wonderful volunteer leaders and members, have truly accomplished a great deal. On behalf of the entire SoACE Board, I say THANK YOU. Without this level of engagement, the elevation of programs and sharing of best practices would not be possible.
SoACE as an organization, is at a tipping point of sorts. A special taskforce was commissioned to focus on the long-term financial stability of the association by looking specifically at revenue and sponsorship areas of interest. I am excited what lies ahead with their recommendations, as I truly believe their diligent efforts will provide positive and long lasting impact on the value of SoACE to its members.
New webinars and sharing of innovative strategies are seemingly passed through the association weekly. Membership continues to grow (Don’t forget to renew)!! With this, SoACE has stretched to better collaborate with State Associations and Consortia to provide additional resources and sharing of best practices among its variety of members. An increased focus on Diversity and Inclusion will continue to provide membership with strategies to elevate its services to institutions and organizations it serves. The Knowledge Groups (KGs) remain THE resource for many who seek information on specific aspects of their roles and those they want to develop as a professional. In less than a week, well over 100 members will convene in Tampa, FL to participate in the 5th Annual Employer Relations Summit. This is a remarkable milestone to reach and is a direct result of the hard work by so many volunteer leaders over the years. The Board has committed to this and many other programs to ensure members reaches the highest of value from their membership.
In closing, I would like to personally recognize several members who will be rolling off the board on July 1. Thank you to the following for their service, dedication and energy over the past years to take SoACE to the next level. Please join me in thanking Raymond Rogers – St. Edward’s University, V’Rhaniku Haynes – University of Central Florida and Elizabeth Boggs – Stetson University. You will be truly missed. As we kick off the 2019-20 fiscal year, new energy and innovation will be welcomed to the Board through those elected earlier this year. Please welcome Danny Pape – University of Tennessee, Holly Williams – Clemson University, Jill Boatright – Loyola University New Orleans and Kimberly Billeaudeau – University of Louisiana Lafayette.
All the best this summer and beyond,
Mark Colvenbach
2018-19 SoACE President
