A letter of introduction and gratitude...
Posted on 02/21/24 by Toni in SPE
Dear Friends of SPE,
I am incredibly honored and excited to be the new Interim Executive Director of the Society for Photographic Education. I want to thank everyone for the warm welcome and well wishes! My first encounter with the Society of Photographic Education was at the South Central conference hosted at Memphis College of Art. I was an undergraduate at the University of Mississippi at the time. I had a print selected for the conference's exhibition, and I was excited to meet other students, faculty, and historians in the region. I vividly remember Robin Lasser and Adrienne Pao's Dress Tentinstallation/performance in the foyer and the feeling of community permeating the space. I felt so grateful to have been present and knew this was where I belonged.
Upon completing my graduate studies, I found more joy and fulfillment through my work in the community with local and regionally situated non-profits while continuing to teach at The University of Memphis. Joining SPE as Administrative Director in 2021 was a full-circle moment. I was grateful to be able to contribute to THE organization that inspired me in a role where I could blend my educational background with my growing skillsets of non-profit management, community building, development, and event planning centered around promoting art and scholarship. When we gathered in Denver, Colorado, for our 60th annual conference, Homecoming, it was my first time meeting many of you in person and reconnecting with friends who I met at past SPE events.
Homecoming was, in fact, a homecoming.
Our wonderful events team mentioned countless times that the SPE gathering was like no other event they had helped facilitate. I know this is true because of our unique organizational culture. SPE reflects the collaborative spirit of research, pedagogy, and artmaking of our incredible membership. Because of a shared desire to learn, SPE can meet our members where they are, no matter their professional status or experience in the classroom.
I invite you to inspire and be inspired during our 61st Annual Conference, New Realities, in St. Louis, Missouri. We have incredible sessions and opportunities to create new friendships and professional connections. If you can be present, please say hello.
I would also like to thank the Board of Directors and Leadership for our Caucus and Chapters for their support and assistance during this transition and for the opportunity to take on this role. It is cliche, but I truly stand on the shoulders of giants. I am humbled by the incredible dedication of the leadership, both past and present. We have a vibrant community and an astonishing platform that is strong because of everyone's participation to help shape the SPE we know and love.
As excited as I am to step into this new role with my favorite organization,
I am more excited to get to know you. You can reach me via phone at 216.622.2733 or by email at troberts@spenational.org. So much is happening in 2024, and I want you to be a part of it.
Be on the lookout for regular updates via email and the SPE Blog. Mark your calendar for an incredible season of Virtual Programming that will begin following the conference. Watch for competitions, games, and events on our SPE Discord. If you still need to join, you can click here. I encourage you to get involved with your regional chapter and join one of our many caucuses.
The future of SPE is bright, and I look forward to the year ahead. I hope to see you in St. Louis!
With admiration,
Toni Roberts
Interim Executive Director
Society for Photographic Education
