President’s
Message
By June Hagler, SMU
Dear TASFAA Members,
As you have seen from the announcements on the TASFAA listserve, the
TASFAA Executive Board regretfully accepted Pat Jost’s resignation
as the TASFAA President. The Board will now elect a new Vice President
and I will, over the next few weeks, appoint a new Board member to complete
the balance of this year.
I look forward to serving the TASFAA Membership for the next six months—but
only if I can continue to rely on Pat as well as present and past TASFAA
members for advice and guidance. I am fortunate the 2006 TASFAA Officers,
Board, and Committee Chairs are experienced colleagues for whom I can
count on for their commitment to our Association.
I wish the entire TASFAA membership could have attended the TG Conference
to hear Brett Lief, NCHELP President, say at the closing General Session
that TASFAA is the best financial aid State Association in the country!
He mentioned we are informed and organized in addressing issues with
Texas and U.S. government officials. Thanks go to our Legislative Issues
Committee gurus George Torres and Jimmy Parker for giving us direction.
- Jimmy Parker will be representing TASFAA at the Taste of Texas
reception May 2-4. Jimmy, along with other Texas and regional higher
education organizations, will be meeting with Texas’ Congressmen
and Representatives in DC about current financial aid issues.
- I recently attended a House of Representatives Public Hearing held
by the Higher Education Committee that is chaired by Rep. Geanie Morrison.
This is the first of six to eight Hearings to review the goals of
the Higher Education Committee. We were very fortunate to have several
knowledgeable TASFAA Members who were called to speak about their
schools’ administration of the state supported financial aid
programs.
- The newly reorganized TASFAA Spring Training (formerly Regional
Rally) is finishing the scheduled day meetings. Thanks to Lisa Blazer
for a well-received new format.
- By the time you read this, the TASFAA New Aid Officers Workshop
will have completed the newly formatted workshop. The Training Committee
developed breakout sessions for different levels of experience with
lots of excitement in between at St. Mary’s in San Antonio.
The TASFAA Board will have met with the attendees for an evening full
of fun. Thanks to Co-chairs Melissa O’Connor and Kym Sherwood
for planning something new and different.
- Lest I not forget, TASFAA Board Elections—thanks June Perry
for an exceptional slate.
- I can go on and on mentioning every TASFAA Committee and their
terrific commitment and work this year. You all know who you are—thanks
and keep up the great work. Don’t forget to let all your colleagues
know what you are up to by submitting your information to the Publicity
Committee for the Annual Report.
I hope to see everyone somewhere along the way. But if not, I will
see you on the River Walk at the TASFAA Annual Conference in San Antonio,
October 10-12 at the Crowne Plaza. The Conference is being planned by
an outstanding Conference Committee, Chaired by Kim Alexander. You can
make your hotel reservations now by checking the TASFAA website for
the link to the hotel.
Stop and count your blessings,
June
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