Chair’s Message

In WCET archives, 2005-06 will be remembered as eventful. Early in the year, well-laid conference plans were disrupted, and WCET members jumped to find ways to help our Southern colleagues cope with the aftermath of a devastating hurricane season. The success of WCET staff and the program committee in moving the conference is described elsewhere in this report, along with so many other accomplishments.

Late in the year, Executive Director Sally Johnstone announced her move to a new position. I’d like to focus here on Sally’s accomplishments in building WCET from a concept to a recognized leader in the field.

Much of the organization’s growth derives directly from Sally’s leadership strengths. She has long demonstrated a keen sense of what issues and opportunities in higher education will become important in the future. Accordingly, WCET is often called upon for policy expertise or consulting about new directions with educational technologies. Similarly, just as Sally herself exhibits a strong inclination for cooperation, she has fostered it both among WCET members and between WCET and other organizations. One result is that WCET members often identify the helpfulness of other member organizations as a strong benefit of membership.

Sally’s ability to keep one eye firmly on current needs and interests of members has led to an organizational culture firmly rooted in service to the member institutions. And WCET membership has flourished from its beginning, with a few colleges and universities within the original 15 WICHE states, to today, when membership includes 285 organizations from 46 states and from eight countries outside of the U.S. In fact, this year WCET recorded its highest membership ever.

Perhaps in part because of her tireless dedication to the organization, people sometimes equate Sally and WCET – but this is much more than a one-person organization. Building on her own skills in execution, she has exhibited the self-confidence to surround herself with highly competent staff and to let them shine. Thus, Sally leaves a vital organization with a valuable depth of expertise.

Over the past year and a half, the steering committee and executive council have reflected about accomplishments and opportunities, discussed ways to update organizational structure, and planned for growth in membership and services. Although all of us will greatly miss Sally’s participation in her former capacity, WCET is well positioned to continue its contributions to the field – through exemplary staff, committed member leadership, and active member participation.

What better legacy could any leader leave?

Thank you, Sally, from all of us.

—Susan B. Scott, Director of E-Learning, Indiana Higher Education Telecommunication System