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Communications Coordinator Comments
After editing the SMA Newsletter for the past six years, it is time for me to move on. During my tenure, we were able to capitalize on advances in communications technology to make the transition from a paper newsletter mailed to all SMA members to electronic versions available online. This change made editing the newsletter much easier. Indeed, preparation of the paper newsletter for mailing—getting copies, folding as needed, inserting special items, and affixing stamps, seals, and labels—was more time consuming than the
editorial aspects. As those activities and the paper newsletter were phased out, the Newsletter Editor’s job was expanded to include web-related responsibilities. Thus, the job was redefined, and the job title was changed to Communications Coordinator.
I received a lot of help over the past six years, and I would like to thank all the SMA members, officers, board members, and others who offered news items, suggestions, and assistance. I would also like to congratulate and wish good luck to Don Kluemper of Louisiana State University, who will succeed me as the SMA Communications Coordinator.
In addition, I wish to acknowledge the valuable advice, encouragement, and assistance that I received over the years from Jerry Hunt. Without his guidance and example, I might never have become involved with the SMA in this capacity. I first met Jerry when I entered the Texas Tech doctoral program in 1982. In the more than a quarter of a century since, I witnessed Jerry’s tenure as JOM Editor, SMA Program Chair, and SMA President, and I saw how he continued to contribute as a conference presenter, reviewer, and discussant throughout the rest of his career.
As noted elsewhere in this newsletter, Jerry passed away during the summer. In Jerry’s virtual memorial, there are numerous comments about Jerry’s contributions to the SMA. A lot of those and other comments came from current and former SMA members, officers, and board members. Without a doubt, Jerry touched the lives of many of us.
Gary Castrogiovanni
SMA Communications Coordinator
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