What an incredible time we shared in Greenville, South Carolina, for the 76th Annual SACSA Conference with NASPA Region III! As I reflect on our time together, I am filled with gratitude, pride, and joy. From the excitement of reconnecting with colleagues to the thoughtful conversations, engaging presentations, and moments of celebration, this conference was a beautiful reminder of what makes SACSA so special.

Our theme, The Bridge Forward: Reshaping, Reigniting, Reclaiming, was more than a theme. It was a call to action, and I watched our members bring it to life throughout the conference. In our educational sessions, conversations, and shared experiences, we challenged ourselves to think differently, embrace new possibilities, and remain committed to the future of our profession. I hope you left Greenville feeling encouraged, renewed, and reminded that you have a community of colleagues walking alongside you.

I want to offer my deepest appreciation to our 2026 Conference Chair, Molly Jean Callahan, and Assistant Conference Chair, Melissa Barrett, whose leadership, creativity, and tremendous dedication made this experience possible. Alongside an extraordinary conference team, they spent countless hours attending to the details, navigating challenges, and creating an experience that reflected the very best of our Association. What you accomplished was remarkable, and I could not be prouder or more grateful.

To our presenters, featured speakers, volunteers, sponsors, and everyone who contributed to the success of this conference, thank you. Each of you played a role in making Greenville an experience we will remember for years to come.

As I reflect on my year as your president, I am equally proud of the work we accomplished beyond the conference. Together, we continued strengthening SACSA's financial stewardship, expanding opportunities for professional development, encouraging meaningful connections through micro-mentorship, advancing our strategic priorities, and fostering a culture of belonging. There is still important work ahead, but I am encouraged by the foundation we have strengthened and the momentum we have created.

To our 2025–2026 Executive Council, committee chairs, and volunteers, thank you for your commitment, your partnership, and the many hours of work that often happen behind the scenes. SACSA is a volunteer-driven Association, and its strength has always been found in the people who choose to give of themselves in service to others. You have certainly left this Association a little better than you found it.

To our Executive Director, Tony, thank you for your wisdom, encouragement, and unwavering dedication to this Association. Through tremendous personal loss and adversity this year, you continued to show up wholeheartedly, pouring your time, energy, and love into SACSA. We see you, we appreciate you, and we are so incredibly grateful for all that you continue to give. Thank you, Tony.

I also extend heartfelt appreciation to my home institution, North Carolina Central University, and to Vice Chancellor Dr. Angela Coleman for supporting my commitment to SACSA throughout this year.

As I pass the Gavel and Gravel to Dr. Angela Taylor, I do so with tremendous confidence and excitement. Angela brings thoughtfulness, vision, and a genuine love for this Association. I look forward to supporting her leadership and watching SACSA continue to grow and thrive.

Thank you, SACSA, for trusting me to lead, for embracing the vision of The Bridge Forward, and for all you do to make this our professional home.