Spring 2000 p. 2

Board of Directors

Deena Burke
Cornish College of the Arts

Kate Burke
President-Elect
U. of Virginia

BettyAnn Leeseberg-Lange
Past-President
Valparaiso University

Dorothy Runk Mennen
Founding President
Purdue University—Professor, Emerita

Mandy Rees
CA State U.-Bakersfield
Janet Rodgers
President
Virginia Commonwealth U.

Karen Ryker
U, of Wisconsin-Madison

Kate Ufema
U. of Minnesota-Duluth

Officers
Janet Rodgers
President
Virginia Commonwealth U

Philip Thompson
Secretary
The Ohio State University

Lisa Wilson
Treasurer
University of Tulsa

Barbara Acker
Conference 2000Planner
Arizona State University

Cynthia Blaise
Archivist

Wayne State University
Rocco Dal Vera
Journal Editor
U. of Cincinnati College Con. of Music

Theresa Davis
Membership Chair
U. of West Virginia

Craig Ferre
Newsletter Editor
Brigham Young U.-Hawaii

Paul Meier
Newsletter Associate Editor
University of Kansas

Anne Scrimger
ATHE Conference Planner
Mount Royal College

The President’s Letter

Dear VASTA members:

It seems like only yesterday that I sat down in early September of 1998 to write my first President’s letter for the “VASTA Newsletter” and here I am, almost two years later, writing my final letter as President of this wonderful organization. The time has flown by, as it always does when one is enjoying oneself. And I have truly enjoyed every minute of my service to you as President of the Voice and Speech Trainers Association. In carrying out the duties of President, I believe that I have grown in ways I could never have anticipated. I have learned much about leadership. I have learned about delegating responsibility and entrusting others to do what they say they will do. I have learned about collaborative decision-making. I have learned when to scold, when to praise, and when to hold my tongue. I have also learned how to send e-mails to long lists of people and how to use the computer more efficiently. But most of all, I have had an opportunity to communicate and learn from a group of people who are generous with their time, giving with their knowledge, and creative with their spirits. Thank you all.

In August the time will come to pass the presidency on to a person for whom I have the utmost respect, President-Elect, Kate Burke. Through the trials and tribulations of my presidency, Kate has been there to provide steadfast support and well-chosen words of wisdom. Kate listens carefully and acts prudently. I will pass the responsibilities of the presidency to Kate, feeling confident that she will do an excellent job.

I would like to encourage all of you to consider taking on positions of responsibility and leadership with VASTA. From conference planning to serving on committees to holding office, all of the positions with VASTA are volunteer. Based on my own experience, I cannot think of an organization which would appreciate your hard work or dedication more. With the greatest pleasure I have had the honor of serving you and look forward to continuing my service in the years to come.

All my best,

Janet B. Rodgers,
VASTA President

VASTA is a non-profit organization and also a focus group of
ATHE
Association for Theatre in Higher Education

© Copyright 1987-2001 Voice and Speech Trainers Association, Inc.