I write this letter as a new spring begins to emerge and flowers start to bloom. This is especially meaningful this spring as we as a Division embark on a new strategic plan, and as my daughter’s cancer treatments come to an end. I have asked many over my time in the Chair Succession, “Why are you a member?” The last 6 months have reinvigorated my “why.” The sense of family, support (both personally and professionally), intellectual engagement, and opportunities to serve in an area of value to me while not being able to be in-person are all means as to why I am a member of DivCHED. I hope you too can find what you are looking for here in the DivCHED.
I want to thank everyone who has sent thoughts, prayers, and picked up things off my plate when needed over the last few months. It has meant the world to me. Additionally, I am proud to see how the DivCHED has continued the work of being accessible to those of us who cannot be in-person for various reasons. On this note, please be sure to take a look at the ACS Spring meeting agenda for ways to attend the various committee meetings both virtually or in-person! I also want to commend the fantastic leadership of our current Chair Resa Kelly and Chair Elect Thomas Bussey in ensuring all voices are heard and included in the design and implementation of the new DivCHED Strategic Plan. The team that was selected from the amazing volunteers in our DivCHED community to champion this endeavor will most certainly take us into a new era of the DivCHED.