What a truly outstanding 21st Annual Conference we just experienced in Kansas City. A tremendous Thank You goes out to Clay Stoldt and the rest of the crew from the Wichita State University Sport Administration Program for serving as our hosts. This conference broke a record in terms of attendees with the final total, once the dust settles, potentially breaking the 400 mark. For those of you who were in Kansas City I know, based on the smiles and comments I heard, that you all enjoyed yourselves. For those of you who couldn't make it this year, put the dates of next year's conference in your book right now: May 29-June 2, 2007 hosted by the University of Miami in Miami, Florida.
Aside from the tremendous academic program, there was also a lot of business conducted at the conference. Please allow me to share some of the exciting new initiatives NASSM is involved in:
- Financial Task Force: A financial task force has been formed to study NASSM’s finances and various strategies surrounding our assets.
- Accreditation: Discussions are moving forward in developing an accreditation model and standards for sport management programs/departments.
- Diversity Task Force: The Diversity Task Force was reestablished this past year with roundtable discussions held at the conference.
- Sport Management Education Journal: This new journal is being launched. A Call for Papers will be announced in the near future.
- Website: The NASSM website, www.nassm.com, has been redesigned. A survey will soon appear on the website to collect information from the membership on your thoughts, comments, and suggestions regarding the website.
I would also like to extend Congratulations to the award recipients at this year’s NASSM Conference:
- Dr. Sue Inglis, McMaster University, Earle F. Zeigler Lecture Award
- Dr. Jackie Cuneen, Bowling Green State University, Garth Paton Distinguished Service Award
- Ted Alexander, University of British Columbia, Student Research Award
- NASSM Research Fellows: Alison J. Doherty, The University of Western Ontario; Janet S. Fink, The Ohio State University; Aubrey Kent, The Florida State University; Michael Sagas, Texas A&M University; and Galen Trail, University of Florida
Friends, as we progress through the year ahead I welcome your suggestions, comments and concerns. Please do not hesitate to contact me at: cbarr@sportmgt.umass.edu [1], 413-545-5065 (w). Enjoy the summer!
Carol A. Barr, NASSM President