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 I have had the privilege of serving as the Psi Chi Executive Director since July 2004. What a joyful and exciting adventure this has been! It has been a pleasure and an honor to work with the talented and dedicated Psi Chi National Council members, National Office staff members, chapter faculty advisors, and chapter officers. I have particularly enjoyed the opportunity to talk with many Psi Chi student members at Psi Chi’s regional and national meetings. My conversations with these students highlighted the important role Psi Chi plays in the academic lives of our members. I heard excitement in the voices of students who presented their research at Psi Chi paper and poster sessions. I saw pride on the faces of those students who won regional research awards. I witnessed poise and confidence on the part of chapter officers who shared their successful leadership strategies at chapter exchange sessions. I shared the thrill of students who attended distinguished lectures given by internationally famous psychologists. The commitment, enthusiasm, and energy on the part of Psi Chi members have been inspirational. I am proud to have been part of our thriving, prestigious honor society. The time has come, however, to leave Psi Chi and spend more time with my family. Although I am looking forward to this new chapter in my life, it is very difficult to say good-bye to Psi Chi.
In the first column I wrote as the Executive Director for the fall 2004 Eye on Psi Chi, I noted that I was following in the footsteps of two visionary and dynamic Executive Directors who held the position before me: Ruth Hubbard Cousins and Kay Wilson. Both of these women were remarkable leaders, and their contributions to Psi Chi are legendary. In some small way, I hope I have been able to continue their legacy through my efforts to expand Psi Chi’s partnerships and increase Psi Chi’s visibility with other organizations as well as through my day-to-day activities such as monitoring charter applications, serving as Associate Editor of Eye of Psi Chi, and participating in the work of the National Office. I am proud to have played a role in helping the National Council develop and implement new initiatives and resources—initiatives such as organizing Psi Chi’s first National Leadership Conference; expanding Psi Chi’s partnerships with the American Psychological Association, the Association for Psychological Science, the Society for the Teaching of Psychology, Psi Beta, and other organizations; co-sponsoring or supporting other organizations’ conferences that were consistent with Psi Chi’s mission; and expanding Psi Chi’s international reach. Of course I did not complete any of these projects on my own—the assistance, support, and encouragement of my colleagues in Psi Chi were necessary and invaluable.
I will treasure the many fond memories and friendships that I take with me from these four wonderful, rewarding years. I have been inspired by the leadership and commitment of all of the National Council members with whom I have served, particularly those who served as National President during my tenure: Martha Zlokovich, Christopher Koch, Robert Youth, John Davis, Vincent Prohaska, and the current President-Elect Scott VanderStoep. I want to thank all of the Council members for their constant support, the time they graciously give to Psi Chi, and the dedicated way in which they attend to their Council responsibilities. It is their vision and creativity that guide our Society and ensure its future growth and prosperity. I also want to thank my current and former colleagues in the National Office: Paula Miller, Lisa Mantooth, Susan Iles, Amie Austin Hearn, Melissa Strickland, Scott Gast, Mark Cobbe, and Lynn Hawkins. Psi Chi’s success from year to year is due in large part to their expertise, enthusiasm, dedication, persistence, and hard work. I am particularly indebted to Paula, Susan, Amie, and Scott for their assistance, patience, and support during those first few months when I was finding my footing. Finally, I want to thank all faculty chapter advisors and student members for the important contributions they make daily to our Society. I hope I have contributed as much to Psi Chi as all of these individuals have over the years. I know, however, that there is much more to be done. I leave these opportunities in the expert hands of the new Executive Director, Dr. Martha Potter Zlokovich. Under her guidance and leadership, Psi Chi will continue to grow, prosper, expand its partnerships and visibility, and benefit Psi Chi members. I wish Martha much success in her new role. I wish all Psi Chi leaders, staff, and members all the best in the years to come. Thank you, members of Psi Chi, for giving me the opportunity to serve as Psi Chi’s Executive Director and for the joy, inspiration, and friendships you have brought to my life.
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