SASFAA President’s Annual Report

Sitting in my office, I very quickly notice so many items that remind me of this past year – the corner of my desk that hasn’t been visible the entire year, my bookcase has at least 200 binders of information related to various activities (well, maybe a little exaggerated – only 100), receipts that Lester is still looking for – as well as expense forms, thank-you letters that need to be written, reports that need to be reviewed, and on and on. I very quickly see other things as well – a framed copy of the SASFAA Conference Program, small little items from individuals that mean the world to me, and cards and letters from so many of you. But the experiences, the “wonderful ride,” the vast amount of things I have learned, the enumerable number of great individuals I have met, the many conferences and board meetings I have attended, and the honor and privilege of serving with and for you cannot be expressed in words or visible items on or near a desk. Wow, what a wonderful year!

It has truly been my honor and pleasure to serve this wonderful region – the best region in the nation – The Southern Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. Yet, I have served with you – with an absolutely tremendous and incredible board, with a vast number of individuals who planned and implemented the 41st SASFAA Annual Conference, with individuals who are completely committed to training in various workshops and activities, with a group of past presidents who offered not just assistance – but an immeasurable amount of insight and suggestions, with many new and many “seasoned” volunteers in no less than 16 different committees, and most importantly – with my friends and colleagues. Wow, what a truly pleasurable year!

Therefore as I write this, I would like to highlight several individuals and their respective accomplishments.

The SASFAA Board, composed of 6 elected officers, 9 state representative, 9 committee chairs, 3 liaison chairs, and 2 special appointments:

The SASFAA Board’s main purpose is to direct the activities and functions for each respective year. This Board has been exceptionally effective, unwavering in commitment, determined to fulfill designated responsibilities, able to offer and implement suggestions to improve all aspects of SASFAA, and able to serve with such integrity and quality.

All individuals who serve on our board are volunteers. They have all made a significant time commitment, sacrificed family time, added many hours to their work days, and spent many hours out of their offices to serve this wonderful association. I am amazed at all the things they accomplished – with such dignity, perseverance, and enthusiasm. I have been honored to serve with these remarkable, caring, professional, and devoted individuals.

The following is a summation of each respective individual’s annual report. A listing of all committee members is provided following the information.