What a fantastic year! I have had the opportunity to serve an organization that is on a firm foundation and adequately positioned for the future, primarily because of our outgoing CEO/President Deborah Kennedy and our staff. Debbie has been a force of both energy and stability for our Association for the past nine years. While we will miss her, her talents and heart are much needed where she is going, and we wish for her the best.
Developing a seamless process for identifying her replacement has not been easy. To accomplish this, our recent Board retreat was designed to review our many programs and activities to ensure they are in alignment with our Association governing documents.
We then heard from our collaborative partners at the University, seeking to better understand their goals and identify ways in which the Association can better collaborate. From the retreat, a search committee was formed.
Fortunately, our new Board Chair Denis Dieker agreed to lead this search process, permitting my slightly early departure from the role and allowing an appropriate transition to his leadership during this time. I am most appreciative for all that he and the committee are doing and am positive we are on the right track.
Serving Wichita State University has been a highlight of my community service career. The staff, board members, university officials, students and you the alumni, all make me tremendously proud of my affiliation. The sky is the limit for Wichita State and our Association, and I intend to stay connected for life!
Thank you, Shockers, for an astonishing opportunity.
