It’s hard to believe that the Texas Association of Community College Marketers is now entering its fifth year. Being a fairly young organization, we’ve come a long way in a short amount of time thanks to our hardworking board members and your involvement as TACCM members.
I’m honored to serve as TACCM’s President for the next two years with the opportunity to carry on the great work and solid foundation your volunteer boards have established since 2012. In fact, we’re always looking for volunteers, so I invite you to share your expertise with TACCM both on the regional and state levels.
This July, the TACCM board met to review work accomplished over the past year and to set goals for this next year. Read more about these throughout this newsletter, including:
- TACCM’s collaboration with the Texas Association of Community Colleges to implement a statewide communication plan for the #TXsuccess campaign designed to tell our community college success stories and their impact statewide as we move toward the 85th Texas Legislative Session.
- Comprehensive conference planning as we head back to Austin for the 2017 conference. Dates and location will be forthcoming later this fall. Be sure to take the survey.
- Networking opportunities that your Regional Directors are planning for this next year. Take time to get to know your Regional Director and don’t hesitate to contact them if you have questions.
Your TACCM membership is one of the best opportunities to connect with other marketing, public relations, design, web and social media, and recruitment professionals from community colleges not only in your region but also from across the state. TACCM also provides professional development opportunities, legislative updates and a listserv that serves as a resource when you need advice about particular issues, services or products to enhance efforts at your own community college. You also have access to the Membership Directory. We also host the free Career and Technical Education (CTE) exploration site called TEXASgenuine that serves as a valuable tool for career and college advisors statewide.
Why do I point out these benefits? Because it’s also time for membership renewal! If you haven’t renewed your membership already, take time to do so today. The grace period runs through September 30. And, remember, an institutional membership means EVERYONE at your college is a TACCM member!
I’d like to close this message with a very heartfelt “Thank You” to four individuals who moved off the TACCM board this past year. The association wouldn’t be where it is today without their involvement, including:
- Lynn Goswick, now retired and founding TACCM President from Alvin Community College
- Shelle Cassell, now retired and founding Membership Director from Grayson College
- Samantha Uriegas, TACCM Mentor Director from South Texas College
- Jennifer Aries, TACCM Development Consultant and Ex-Officio Board Member from 25th Hour Communications.
Again, I look forward to serving you during this next year. Let’s keep the momentum going and continue to tell the best story Texas has to offer––the community, technical and junior college story! #TXsuccess … we look forward to seeing your stories!
Melinda Eddleman
2016-2018 TACCM President
Associate Director of Media Relations, Del Mar College
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