Stafford L. Thompson
Association President

Dear Colleagues:
The Southern Association of Community, Junior and Technical Colleges (SACJTC) continues to be an advocate to SACS on behalf of two-year colleges.  As you are aware, we are the largest single entity in SACS and we stand ready to advance your concerns to SACS' leadership.

We have noted with interest the absence, in proportion to our membership, of our two-year colleagues on the Commision of Colleges.  This is an issue that merits our attention.

This year, the Executive Committee believes that we should continue the theme of meeting the needs of under prepared students.  The Executive Committee recognizes the fact that we are a major player in the Workforce Investment Act (WIA).  If we are able to be successful in meeting the intent of this Act, it is essential that we meet the needs of under prepared students.  We will continue to focus on appropriate research in the area.

At the moment our efforts to secure a great speaker in this area are not complete.  But we invited Dr. Ron Page, Secretary of Education to be our luncheon speaker.  If his schedule will not permit his attendance, we have identified other notable candidates.  Perhaps our success with the Secretary of Education will depend on time and budget issues in Washington during December 2002.

Dr. Patrick Lake, our newsletter editor, has indicated a desire to publish articles on the best practices in serving under prepared students.  I, along with the Executive Committee, would encourage you and your faculties to share your successes with the membership through our newsletter.

The Executive Committee over the last couple of years has attempted to return something tangible to you by being a member of our Association.  Your Executive Committee plans to continue this effort.  The research that Dr. McCabe discussed last year has recently gone to the printer.  The Executive Committee and/or AACC will disseminate Dr. McCabe's work.  We are also identifying other research in the area so that you will be provided as much "print-worthy" information as we can afford.

I want to thank you on behalf of the Executive Committee for your continued involvement in SACJTC.  I want to also thank members of the Executive Committee for their dedication and hard work.  We often do not always see the people behind the scenes who make the newsletter and the Association's luncheon possible.  As you see members of our Committee, please take the time to say "thank you".  I look forward to seeing you in San Antonio in December.

Sincerely,

Stafford L. Thompson
Association President