Allen C. Amason SMA President

The SMA Board met recently, during the AoM meeting in Chicago.  I always look forward to these mid-year board meetings; it’s great to see my friends on the board but it also marks a key turning point.  From that moment we all begin looking forward and working toward the annual meeting of the SMA.  This year, that meeting will be held in Asheville, NC.  Asheville, by the way, is a terrific town at any time of year.  But it is especially nice in the fall.  So, if you have not yet made your arrangements, please make your plans now to attend. 

One of the things that the board discussed in Chicago was the Asheville meeting.  The program chair, Mark Gavin (Oklahoma State) reports that submissions were again near an all time high.  Mark told us to expect a cutting edge and high quality program, highlighted as usual by the paper sessions.  The high number of submissions we received, combined with the dedication and hard work of our track chairs and reviewers promise to provide us with yet another great program.  On a related note, you may recall that last year we launched the SMA research incubator.  That effort yielded three projects and all of those projects, which are now underway, will be presented during a session at this year’s meeting. 

Peg Williams (Virginia Commonwealth) reported that this year’s Professional Development Institute will feature another strong line up of research methods and teaching workshops.  We are also excited to be hosting the 2nd installment of the research incubator, as well as our annual doctoral consortium and biannual faculty consortium.  I am always excited to see how many people arrive early so that they can participate in the various sessions of the PDI.  It’s great to see so much energy and enthusiasm.  It’s also great to see so many familiar faces.  I anticipate that this year will bring more of the same.       

The mid-year board meeting also marked another important turning point.  For as long as I can remember, Geralyn McClure Franklin (University of Dallas) has been our site coordinator, not only scouting locations and negotiating contracts but also making all the onsite arrangements and managing the onsite details.  It’s been a tremendous amount of work for her and a tremendous service to the SMA.  This year though, that job will be split; Geralyn will continue to scout and arrange locations.  However, all the onsite details will now be handled by Joy Karriker (East Carolina).  Words cannot express my gratitude to Geralyn for all her good service through the years.  At the same time, I am very grateful to Joy for the assistance she will be providing.  If you have the chance, please take a moment to thank them both.

The Board also received reports from Talya Bauer (Portland State) regarding the Journal of Management, as well as from Chuck Pierce (University of Memphis) regarding the SMA’s finances.  Both reports were positive and encouraging.  The JoM continues to grow in circulation and impact and so continues to be one of the most popular and influential journals in our field.  As a result, our organization continues to benefit in every way.   

Indeed, the news from our board meeting was all quite good.  The SMA has never been stronger.  Our membership numbers are good; our meetings are well attended and well supported by a strong cast of presenters, discussants, authors, reviewers, track chairs, volunteers and organizers.  Our journal has never been stronger or better respected and our financial position is solid and sure, with a host of programs that we now sponsor and a growing endowment for the future.  And on top of all this is the commitment of our people.  Our board and officers along with our JoM editor and editorial board are enthusiastic, committed and engaged.  Each values the SMA and each is committed to continue building on the foundation left to them.  That was apparent to me in our recent board meeting and I expect to see further evidence of it at our meeting in Asheville. 

So, as I write what will be my final letter as president of this great organization, let me assure you that the SMA is vibrant, strong and moving forward.  As much as ever, we remain committed to our mission of creating value for our members.  And, as I come to the end of my term, I am increasingly aware of the privilege it has been to serve in this office.  The SMA is a terrific organization, with a great tradition and a bright future.  It has been my pleasure and my honor to serve this year as SMA President and it will be my pleasure and honor when, at our meeting this fall, I pass the gavel to my friend Peg Williams.  

Do plan to attend the meeting; do plan to continue your membership and involvement with the SMA, and please do accept my thanks for allowing me to serve in this capacity. 

See you in Asheville,

Allen

Allen C. Amason, Ph.D.
President, Southern Management Association