Strengths. As I contemplate the rush of turbulence and tensions in our contemporary times, I have intentionally shifted my mind to focus on our strengths and the staying power of our communication discipline. One strength of our Association is its proven track record of adapting and of navigating solvency through the years. Another strength is our members who thoughtfully persist amid threats to advocacy, activism, and academic freedom. An additional strength is our National Office staff who repeatedly offer enhancements and implement innovative approaches that make our Association better.
Our scholarship, teaching and practice in communication is broad in scope, is diverse in contributor identities, and is pervasive in its impact; these are all strengths. While 2025 is my presidential year of L.I.F.T. (Leading with Imagination and Forward-Thinking), NCA has navigated decades and amplified voices to remain a vehicle of support for its members for more than 110 years—all through a dedicated group of volunteer leaders. Guided by the Association’s vision, mission, and strategic plan, NCA’s commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (I.D.E.A.) is complex, multi-faceted, and remains unchanged, despite our times. These too are added strengths.
Recently, NCA’s Executive Committee and Councils gathered for a leadership retreat using L.I.F.T. as a unifying framework. As retreat attendees stood in somewhat of a horseshoe shape in the ballroom, one by one they introduced themselves and shared their reasons for serving in the NCA. I challenged each person to think now about mentorship and to equip others to ensure they replace themselves; a solid succession strategy is a strength. Each NCA leader who travelled to be present represents an investment in our Association’s future and an added reason for strength upon strength.
We are midway through implementation of the current 2023-2027 Strategic Plan. During our days in Maryland at the retreat, we debated and re-affirmed our resolve to advance the current Strategic Plan, I.D.E.A. Strategic Plan, and our Association. More Virtual Learning Opportunities (VLOs) were planned for facilitation in the coming year by the National Office. Each Council and Committee identified aims to be achieved with mid-year milestones and solid movement by the end of 2025. We will continue these conversations in the months ahead, and I look forward to providing you future updates on our collective progress.
Amid our times, it can be tempting to lose focus, weaken resolve, or succumb to distractions. As I continue serving you and our Association, I intentionally choose to focus on strengths and on honoring 2025 as a Year of L.I.F.T.
With gratitude and greater regard,
Jeanetta D. Sims, Ph.D., APR
2025 NCA President
In the spirit of 2025, as a Year of L.I.F.T. (Leading with Imagination and Forward-Thinking), this year’s Presidential Spectra columns have discussed strengths, the calm-chaos dynamic, and now growth—an ideal output and perhaps culmination of our prior conversations. We have engaged in L.I.F.T.-focused discussion that will continue into this year’s...
The summer months of travel, meetings, loss, writing, heat, and humidity have co-mingled with teaching, sports, family, and service commitments. Embedded in this often-frantic pace are moments of calm and chaos. When times are turbulent and L.I.F.T. (Leading with Imagination and Forward-Thinking) remains a priority, re-centering clarity can be a...
The annual convention will be a wonderful opportunity to engage with fellow NCA members, whether you are presenting, attending panels, exploring ideas, or a bit of everything. I encourage you to attend some of our key events that will set the tone for the convention. Don’t miss the Opening Session,...
Dear NCA Members, It is with great enthusiasm that I present to you the latest edition of Spectra. Packed with insightful articles, updates, and opportunities tailored specifically to our members, Spectra serves as an important connection point for all of us. Communication, now more than ever, must be at...
When I struggle to find the words, I turn to poetry. Tonight, I am drawn to three poems. Cemal Süreya (1931-1990), a Turkish poet, in “Now Sweetheart” wrote: One of my favorite poets, Nayyirah Waheed,...
Ahlan wa sahlan (“Welcome” in Arabic) to my first Spectra column as President of the National Communication Association. January 1 marked the beginning of my year of service as NCA’s President. My primary purpose in this role, as I see it, is to help create the conditions for each of...
“Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.,“The Death of Evil upon the Seashore” sermon given at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, New York City, May 17, 1956 The task of retaining one’s faith and resolve...
As I write this first Spectra column since assuming the presidency of our association, I am humbled by the responsibility of undertaking this leadership mantle and exhilarated by the opportunity to serve. In the two years that I have had the honor of being an NCA officer, together we have...
In my first presidential column for Spectra, I noted that one of the strengths of the Communication discipline is that the changing nature of what we study requires continued inquiry and innovation. Academic pursuits within the discipline have the potential to be continuously active and dynamic, and the potential for...