Letter from the President – Ray Rogers

Our 10-year anniversary event in December will be quite a milestone; looking back from where we have come since that time and what the future may hold.  We return to the place of our very first conference in 2007, the beautiful Riverwalk in San Antonio. Fittingly, Building Bridges to Opportunities is the theme for this special conference year and precisely captures the essence of our association’s mission. The Conference Committee is busy putting together what I believe will be one of the best SoACE conferences yet. From our keynote speakers, to some unique innovations in educational and networking sessions, you are definitely going to notice we stepped it up this year.  And, if you thought last year’s Tuesday night celebration was exciting, just wait until you see what we have in store this year.  Conference registration is now open and hotel rooms are filling up quickly.  I encourage you to make plans now to attend.

I also wanted to announce some changes within the SoACE board leadership.  Two board directors stepped down earlier this summer resulting from changes in their work roles.  Jamie Gaertner has moved to a new role with Enterprise that would also keep her from fulfilling her role as Director – Diversity and inclusion, and Alicia Jackson left Oklahoma State last month, starting a new position outside of the field that will keep her from being able to complete her role as Director – Membership Development and Retention.  We are extremely appreciative of the time and talent Jamie and Alicia have given to SoACE and will certainly miss them.  I am happy to announce that Kelvin Rutledge, from the University of Georgia, has agreed to step in as Director – Diversity and Inclusion, and Elizabeth Boggs, from Stetson University, will be serving as the Director – Membership Development and Retention.  We are excited to have them on the leadership team.

For many of us, the beginning of the 2017-18 school year will be remembered by hurricanes.  Both Harvey and Irma hit hard within the SoACE footprint.  From first-hand experience from my many years of living in both Florida and Texas, I know how deep the impact of these storms can be, and the toll they can take on our personal and work lives.  My most sincere hope that everyone is safe, housed, and dry.  Here’s to a hurricane-free remainder of the season.

Raymond Rogers
2017-2018 SoACE President
St. Edward’s University
Career & Professional Development
rrogers1@stedwards.edu

 


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