Good evening. Many of us have the opportunity to serve a professional organization in our own way whether it is through volunteering, presenting, chairing a committee, encouraging involvement of graduate students and faculty members or serving in an elected position. Tonight, I have the opportunity to recognize and honor Ms. Tanisha Jenkins. As SACSA President, she has worked tirelessly this year to enhance the organizational operations of the Executive Committee, and in doing so, we have updated our financial policies and procedures, solidified the role and functions of the presidential scholar, reviewed and enhanced the roles and functions of Executive Council leadership positions, and strengthened our relationship with NASPA Region III, just to name a few. Aside from the obvious contributions, she has always found time to mentor, coach, and professionally challenge graduate and new professionals to stay connected and involved in SACSA. She is truly an ambassador for SACSA and an advocate for professionals seeking a career in Student Affairs. I am honored to have served with her and it is with great pleasure that I present her with this plaque tonight. Tanisha, thank you again for your work, dedication, and commitment to SACSA.

I got my introduction to SACSA from my time at Western Kentucky University, under the leadership of Howard Baily. I didn't realize at the time that he not only mentoring me professionally, but connecting me to a network that would ultimately aid in my continuous growth and development as a student affairs professional. I am forever grateful for someone taking the time to invest in me. That is why I am honored to stand here tonight and assume this leadership role in SACSA. This organization has sustained me when I was not sure about my own abilities, skills, and career path. By attending year after year, presenting, volunteering, serving on committees, giving to the foundation, and connecting with graduate students, new professionals, mid-level and seasoned professionals, I was able to establish a network that believed in me. I tell my graduate students at Texas A&M often that your Network may determine your Net-worth in this profession. That is what SACSA is...a Network that works for you. Thank you for being part of my network, SACSA.

Now, at this time, I want to recognize those who contributed to the success of this conference. Thank you Coastal Carolina and SCCPA for being such gracious hosts. To the Conference Planning Team, volunteers, Past Presidents in attendance, and Foundation members, we appreciate all you have done and continue to do for SACSA. And finally, to NASPA Region III and our Sponsors and Partners...THANK YOU!

For our first-time conference attendees, I hope that you have had the opportunity to truly feel and embrace the SACSA connection. We want to see you back next year, presenting, volunteering, and engaging in committees. 

As we move into the next year, the Executive Council and Committee Chairs will focus much of our time on the recently approved strategic plan for 2017-2022. Our 3 main focus areas are on:

• The recruitment, engagement, and retention of our membership
• Financial stability, and stewardship
• Strengthening SACSA's ability to prepare professionals for the future of higher education;

1. Acknowledging our 70 years anniversary
2. Membership Growth and Development - Texas, Washington, D.C., Virginia, Louisiana
3. Assessment
4. Focus on Technology - to enhance our org management, processes, and communication
5. Leadership Cycles

At this time, I would like to recognize the 2018-2019 Executive Council and Committee Chairs. 

Thank you for attending the 2018 SACSA Conference here in Myrtle Beach, SC. Let's Rise Higher in Raleigh on November 2-4, 2019. See you there, SACSA!

CJ Woods, PhD

SACSA President