Stepping into the role of President in my hometown of Charlotte was been an immense honor, especially during such a momentous year for our organization. We are in the midst of celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Southern Association for College Student Affairs (SACSA). This diamond jubilee has been an incredible opportunity to honor our rich legacy while boldly charting a course for our future.

I can still remember my first SACSA conference in Jacksonville in 2005! I attended the involvement fair and was surrounded by seasoned professionals who wanted to help me get plugged into SACSA. From that moment, this association quickly became my professional home. Over the past two decades, I've had the privilege of serving in a variety of roles that have deepened my appreciation for our members. My involvement began with the conference, as what started reviewing program proposals turned into serving as Program Chair and Conference Chair.

Outside of the conference, I had the opportunity of chairing the membership committee before being elected as the Vice President of Marketing and Outreach. I also had the pleasure of selling SACSA to our sponsors and exhibitors as the sponsorship chair. Each role reinforced my belief in the power of this community and led me to where I am today.

I am so excited to celebrate our 75th annual conference in Louisville, Kentucky, from November 1-3, 2025. Personally, this return to Louisville is particularly special. This will be a bit of a homecoming for me, since I served as the conference chair for the 65th conference in Louisville!

Our theme for this year's diamond jubilee celebration is Shining Bright: 75 Years of Brilliance, Reflection, and Strength. This anniversary is a powerful moment to reflect on our history and celebrate the brilliance of the leaders who built this association. It is also a time to look forward, build on our strength, and continue advancing our powerful legacy into the next 75 years.

I often recall the wisdom of the writer and professor Maya Angelou, who taught at my own Wake Forest University. She famously said, “The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go and not be questioned.” My goal has been to ensure SACSA is, and continues to be, that safe place for all of us.

To me, being president is about nurturing a professional home where every member feels embraced and valued—a place of comfort, respite, and growth where ideas are challenged, but individuals are not questioned. As president, I have learned that we are better together, and that help abounds in SACSA. When you need it most, someone shows up for you. I am committed to implementing our new strategic plan, enhancing the member experience, and increasing access to leadership opportunities to ensure SACSA remains a vibrant and welcoming home for all.