A Message From Our President

Dear PCACAC Community:

April has been an exhilarating whirlwind for us all! Our collective efforts have propelled us to new heights, which really showcases  the strength and dedication of our community and leadership. Let’s take a moment to reflect on the incredible milestones we’ve achieved together.

We kicked off the month with a groundbreaking event—the inaugural PCACAC regional college fair at Howard High School in Ellicott City, Maryland. Working hand in hand with our College Fair/College Night Committee chair, Chris Gothard and co-chair, Hannah Wolff, we witnessed record-breaking numbers for our first fair. A heartfelt thank you is owed to the StriveScan team, as well as Jill Autshuler and the Howard County School District, for their invaluable support.

Our momentum didn’t stop there. We also hosted our 59th Annual Spring Conference in Norfolk, VA, which saw yet another record-breaking turnout. Amidst a plethora of learning sessions and special recognitions, we celebrated the outstanding achievements of our leaders and members. From Jeff Smith of the University of Tennessee and PCACAC past-president receiving the Apperson Award, to Kevin Terry of Rock Ridge High School being honored with the Blackburn Award, and our esteemed Counselors of the Year, the spirit of excellence was in the air. We also proudly announced Amani Manning, from The Common Application, as our 2024 Rising Star, to be recognized at the NACAC Conference this fall. Additionally, we introduced the inaugural Impact Award for Inclusion, Access, and Belonging, honoring Charlain Bailey and the Virginia Advising Corps for their exceptional contributions to our profession and to student access. A tremendous thank you to our Conference Planning Chairs, Julia Hixson and Damian Garcia for all their hard work. 

But our commitment to inclusivity and access didn’t end there. The Inclusion and Access Committee hosted its second annual Coming Together pre-conference workshop at Old Dominion University, and, with the support of the Professional Development Committee, we relaunched our outreach efforts with a pre-conference community program at the Boys and Girls Club of Norfolk. A congratulations and moment of appreciation goes to our planning team and faculty involved with these efforts including our IAS Chairs Calvin Wise and Jose Garcia, Jeff Smith, Charlain Bailey, Tomika Browne, TeCarla Moore, Ummi Modeste, and so many more. 

Amidst the challenges of the past year, being amongst dedicated colleagues was both rejuvenating and rewarding. Together, we are paving the way for the future of our association and the students we serve.

The PCACAC journey continues beyond those mentioned above. Since the conference, the Professional Development Committee has partnered with Howard County Schools in Maryland to provide in-service training for their College and Career Readiness specialist team. A heartfelt thank you goes to Charlain Bailey, Professional Development Committee Co-Chair, and the college representatives who generously volunteered their time to provide invaluable insights.

Next week, our Government Relations Committee heads to Capital Hill for National Advocacy Day, where our members will advocate for the crucial work we do and the current climate of our profession.

As my term as PCACAC President draws to a close on July 1, I am filled with gratitude and awe for what we have accomplished together in less than a year. It is an honor to be part of such a vibrant community united by a common mission for student access and a better future. I am also very excited to welcome Rachel Cleaver, incoming President-Elect, and Mary Hunter Hardison, incoming Vice President of Finance, to the leadership team, and to support Melisa Hypolite as she steps into her role as President. I look forward to continuing to serve as Past-President and supporting our organization and leadership team as we forge ahead.

The future's so bright for PCACAC! ¡El futuro es tan brillante para PCACAC!

With appreciation,

Rosemary Martin Edwards
PCACAC President