I'm writing with excitement following our vibrant Annual Conference in Atlanta this past month. What an incredible gathering it was! With over 600 in-person attendees and more than 130 virtual conference participants, we set a new attendance record that reflects the strength and vitality of our community. 

For those who couldn't join us, our conference theme "ATL: Advancing Teaching and Learning" perfectly embodied both our Atlanta location and our core mission. The event featured innovative teaching approaches including new work in generative AI, opportunities for meaningful connections that strengthen our programs, and discussions on how we can advance excellence in teaching and learning within Communication Sciences and Disorders. 

Conference attendees shared how valuable the experience was – from practical clinical education resources to thought-provoking discussions on navigating today's challenging academic landscape. I was particularly moved by stories I heard about how CAPCSD's resources have created ripple effects of excellence across member institutions, elevating supervisors, students, and ultimately client care. 

As we face increasing external pressures on what we teach, how we teach, and how our programs are funded, our CAPCSD community becomes even more vital. When we connect our individual strengths as a community, we create something remarkable that no single person or institution could achieve alone. This collaborative spirit is precisely what our mission envisions when it states, "We connect, inspire, and promote higher education programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders." 

I'd like to express my heartfelt gratitude to our exceptional Conference Planning Committee led by Leanna Lawrence and overseen by Heidi Verticchio, our dedicated CAPCSD staff including Executive Director Ned Campbell and Director of Professional Development Mandie Mckenzie, my fellow Board members, and all committee members who made this event possible. 

Whether you attended the conference or not, I encourage you to: 

• Connect with colleagues across institutions to share challenges and solutions 

• Explore CAPCSD's clinical education resources available to all members 

• Remember that you are not alone in facing today's academic challenges 

• Participate in our organizational governance by voting 

Important Reminder: Voting is now open for our 2025 Board of Directors Slate! Each member program has one vote, so program directors, please take a moment to review the candidates and cast your program's vote. The slate includes Christie Needham from Baldwin Wallace University for President-Elect and Kelly Rutherford from Marshall University for Secretary. More details about the candidates and voting process can be found later in this newsletter. 

Your work matters—to your students, to your colleagues, and to the entire field of Communication Sciences and Disorders. You are the heart of what we do, and I am honored to serve as your president. 

As we all navigate the busy end-of-semester period with finals and closing activities, please know that CAPCSD is here to support you. I hope you find moments of joy and satisfaction amid the challenges. 

With gratitude,