Executive officer's column.

A changing of the guard is always an interesting time of adjustment for all concerned -- those changing responsibilities, the membership and the Academy as a whole. At February's annual meeting the changes began to take place as Dr. John Boyle steps down from over 13 years of service as the MAS Executive Officer. As he adjusts to more free time and fewer responsibilities, I will be adjusting to less free time and more responsibilities. I look forward to the challenge.

As I begin the job of Executive Officer, perhaps a word about myself is in order. I am employed by the Mississippi Mineral Resources Institute, which is headquartered on the main campus of the University of Mississippi. I am a geologist by training, and I serve on the Board of the Mississippi State Board of Registered Professional Geologists. I have a broad range of research interests including geological mapping, Mississippi earthquakes, and the characteristics and concentration of naturally occurring radioactive materials. Many of my research projects have been interdisciplinary and I have enjoyed the opportunity to learn from those with related expertise.

Perhaps the membership would appreciate a map to my ideas and concerns are as they relate to the MAS? The primary concern is that of a long-term decline in membership. I hope to work with Ms. Cynthia Huff and see if there are any obvious indications as to cause. If we can identify a cause then we need to find a method to "cure the problem". We will look more closely into ways to make paying dues, abstract fees and annual meeting registration easier. The underutilization of the "Journal" is another concern. Dr. Ken Curry is the editor and has done an excellent job of keeping the publication schedules on track, but there always seems to be a shortage of papers. The "Journal" is refereed, page charges are low, and turn-around time is short. Perhaps the MAS is not promoting publication in the "Journal" to the membership enough. Another concern for us to look into.

The Geology and Geography Division sponsored a special symposium to go along with their general papers during the 1999 annual meeting. They ran out of chairs and people were standing at the back of the meeting room to hear the symposium speakers and many remained for the general presentations. Everyone agreed it very successful. I suggest other divisions may want to consider doing the same. It certainly adds a new facet to the annual meeting and with a well known speaker it can generate significant interest among other scientists and bring more into the annual meeting. Another idea is to encourage other activities at the annual meeting such as workshops, short courses and perhaps even tours and field trips.

I look forward to working with the MAS officers, and Board to plot the future course of the Academy. I also hope the membership will offer any suggestions as to how the Academy may improve its mission or make the Academy more attractive to scientists working in Mississippi.--Charles Swann