As the 2026 Conference Chair, Molly Callahan plays a significant role in coordinating and planning the upcoming conference while leading a dedicated team of volunteers. In her full-time professional role, she serves as the Associate Director for Retention Initiatives in the Academic Success and Retention Office at the College of Charleston. As Conference Chair, much of her time is spent organizing conference logistics, collaborating with team members, and bringing the event to life. With the conference less than 100 days away—92 exactly—she reflected on how rewarding it has been to see months of planning begin to come together. In her professional position, she focuses on helping students stay on track toward graduation by connecting them with academic resources and support services. Molly's work includes responding to student concerns raised by members of the campus community, facilitating outreach and academic recovery programming, managing the university's chatbot, and supporting a variety of student success initiatives.

Molly's first SACSA conference was in 2017 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, while she was a first-year graduate student at Clemson University. Attending a professional conference during her first semester was a program requirement, but she also viewed SACSA as an opportunity to begin building a professional network in the Southeast, where she anticipated searching for employment after graduation. Molly attended alongside classmates and faculty members, met many professionals she continues to connect with today, and have not missed a SACSA conference since. She described the experience as an important part of her professional growth and credited SACSA with helping her build lasting relationships throughout the region.

One of her favorite SACSA experiences has been introducing others to the organization. In 2018, at the Myrtle Beach conference, she encouraged a close friend from her undergraduate years to attend. That friend has since become an active member of the organization. After moving to the College of Charleston, she also introduced several colleagues to SACSA and found it especially rewarding to watch them meet new people and develop the same appreciation for the organization. Molly also recalled memorable conference moments, including the impressive ice sculpture at the Myrtle Beach conference and attending an event at the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga. She joked that eating sushi while making eye contact with a king crab remains one of the most surreal conference experiences she has ever had.

Molly's advice for first-time attendees is to create a conference schedule that balances professional development with personal well-being. She recommends selecting sessions that align with current job responsibilities, personal interests, and areas for growth while remaining open to exploring new topics. She also emphasized the importance of taking breaks when needed. Although the conference lasts only a few days, it offers an intense amount of learning and networking. She encouraged attendees to take advantage of wellness resources and recognize that self-care looks different for everyone.

Molly described the SACSA conference experience as "like coming home." Although the conference moves to a different city each year, the familiar faces and relationships remain the same. For her, the annual gathering provides an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, celebrate each other's personal and professional accomplishments, and gain encouragement that helps sustain her through the challenges of working in higher education. She views the conference as a chance to "fill her bucket" each year and leave feeling renewed and affirmed.

Without hesitation, Molly said the people are what keep her coming back to SACSA. As a first-generation college student from South Carolina, giving back to the region that supported and educated her has always been deeply meaningful. Volunteering with SACSA provides another way to contribute to the profession and the organization that has had such a positive impact on her own career. Most importantly, SACSA continues to provide the opportunity to reconnect each year with colleagues, mentors, and friends who have become an important part of her professional journey.

Thank you for your hard work, dedication, service, and the many contributions you have made to both the organization and the field. Your commitment and the positive impact you have had are truly appreciated. Thank you for bringing such positivity, enthusiasm, and light to our organization. We are grateful for all that you have done and wish you continued success in all that lies ahead.