As I write this column, it is spring in Tennessee, and the tulips and dogwoods are in full bloom. Spring is a time of renewal, and I cannot help but compare it to Psi Chi with new leadership, new members, and new opportunities for its members. Spring at Psi Chi equates to elections, inductions, and regional conferences. 
     I am one of those people who believes in the power of the vote, and as I anxiously awaited the results of Psi Chi's first online balloting, I was surprised to learn that many chapters did not vote in our election. Each chapter has a voice in shaping Psi Chi, and I would like to see chapters exercise that voice. Likewise, I wonder what I can do to convince each chapter of the importance of their vote?
     Like the new growth covering the mountainside, there is a flurry of activity in the National Office as preparations are made to induct thousands of new members into Psi Chi. I would like to congratulate you for your hard work and welcome you to Psi Chi. 
     As I prepare to attend my first Psi Chi regional conference, I have learned that each region is unique in its offerings. Yet each regional conference supports the traditions of Psi Chi and gives our members opportunities to be recognized for their efforts as regional research award winners. 
     Psi Chi is a valuable resource for students, graduates, and psychologists. "Psi Chi promotes leadership, scholarship, fellowship, and service" (Hogan & Takooshian, 2004, p. 16). I believe that service is especially important in the world in which we live. Service is an important aspect of my life, as I am very involved in community activities and take pride in Psi Chi chapters' and members' involvement in service to their community. 
     I am deeply honored for the opportunity to serve as your new Executive Officer. I realize that I am following in the footsteps of Ruth Cousins, Kay Wilson, and Paula Miller, whose vision and leadership have been invaluable. Under my leadership, I want to follow my predecessors and strive to see the continued success of the organization as a whole—each region and chapter—but most of all the success of each member.


References

Hogan, J. D., & Takooshian, H. (2004, Spring). Psi Chi, The National Honor Society in Psychology: 75 Years of Scholarship and Service. Eye on Psi Chi, 8(3), 16-17, 36-39.

Summer 2007 issue of Eye on Psi Chi (Vol. 11, No. 4, p. 3), published by Psi Chi, The National Honor Society in Psychology (Chattanooga, TN). Copyright, 2007, Psi Chi, The National Honor Society in Psychology. All rights reserved.