It’s springtime in the Rockies or the plains, depending on where you are. The weather in the Salt Lake Valley has been wonderful these last few days and it makes me anxious for summer.

The Board of Directors met in Salt Lake City and a highlight of our meeting was a tour of the 2008 site for the world famous RMASFAA Summer Institute. We have loved our hosts in Colorado for these past many years, but I am excited for this change. The state of Utah looks forward to hosting the members of RMASFAA for a week of learning, mentoring and networking. I hope many of you have already made your plans to attend SI in Golden, Colorado this June. Brenda Hicks and her committee have already been working hard to ensure that everyone comes away with new ideas and knowledge. It promises to be another excellent Summer Institute.

Rob Drybread and the 2007 Conference Committee are also hard at work planning our regional conference that will be held in Breckenridge, Colorado in October. They have planned great speakers and are also compiling a list of subjects and presenters for the breakout sessions. I encourage any of you who may be interested to volunteer to present or moderate a session. It’s a great way to get to know your colleagues in the region.

Curt Martin and the Nominations and Elections Committee (your state presidents) are in the process of preparing a slate of candidates for our next election. This year we are seeking nominees for President-Elect, Vice-President, Associate Member Delegate, Secretary and Treasurer, so we have a need for at least 10 willing volunteers. If you are interested in running or know someone who is ready to take on the reins of leadership, please contact Curt at cumartin@mesastate.edu.

Finally, remember to have fun with your job. No matter how frustrated, angry, or picked on you may feel, there’s always something that can make you smile. Think of that mother that calls you because she doesn’t understand why you can’t make her son independent (I’m talking to you, aren’t I) or that student who asks if she really has to have a 2.00 GPA—isn’t a 1.99 close enough? Try not to laugh out loud when you remember the student who came in to get her “Pelvic” check. But keep a smile on your face and in your heart and remember that we are here to help students – no matter what they think!