04/25/2016

· I mentioned a few weeks ago that the work to construct an IPS strategic plan would begin soon. That work gets going in earnest this coming Monday and Tuesday at Montgomery Bell State Park where Lisa, Rick, Chris and myself will sit down with other IPSers to kick start the process. In a video conference with a facilitator of the process, the importance of hearing from a variety of stakeholders (that includes you and me) was emphasized…and reemphasized. So, I hope we can all help the working group when called upon. I’ll do what I can to keep us updated on progress.

· Over the past couple days, the General Assembly did a bunch of things, one of which was passage of SB2376 (by both houses). That bill amends TCA “relative to permitting certain persons to carry handguns on the property of certain postsecondary institutions”. I’ve wondered what impact, if any, this may have on us (MTASers) if any. It still has to be signed by the Governor, so who knows what may happen. If it is signed, I’m sure we’ll get some guidance. Stay tuned.

· Next Wednesday, April 27 ^th , is Administrative Professionals Day…and the administrative staff is key to everything we do in MTAS. Don’t even ask me to think what my work world would be like without our MTAS admins. Thank you all for everything you do…from big to small… every day.

· Lastly, remember a few things…
o What each of you do every day for our customers and each other is recognized and appreciated. Really! It is!
o “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou
o …and keep the words of Yogi Berra close at hand …”You can observe a lot by just watching”.
o No 39 ^th birthdays coming up next week. Sorry.
o The average loft angle on a 9-iron golf club is 45 – 48 ⁰ Amazing stuff, I know.

· A comfortable weekend for all!

Jim Thomas, Executive Director
(O) 615. 532.4950 (C) 615.972.9219

jim.thomas@tennessee.edu

www.mtas.tennessee.edu