Dennis Beck
University of Arkansas

My goal for AECT during my future executive secretary term would be to support the board and president, helping them sustain it as the premier international organization in educational technology, one to which others refer for research and best practices. Currently, many organizations either focus solely on the technical design and development of educational technologies, or on educational research about these technologies. However, few organizations have chosen to fuse these two priorities in a way that contributes equally to theory and practice. I strongly believe in the AECT should continue to work toward this goal, developing partnerships with K-12 and industry and academic partners, whose respective expertise can help extend and refine our mission.

Various experiences, both in academe and in AECT itself, have prepared me well for the level of leadership and service required by the person serving in the role of Executive Secretary. For the past eight years, I’ve been teaching and doing research in the Educational Technology program at the University of Arkansas. My research focuses on and advocates for digital, educational equity for culturally and linguistically diverse and special education students at all levels. My service as president of AECT’s School and Media Technology division, as well as service on the Strategic Planning Committee, has provided me ample opportunity to understand how individuals from diverse careers can thrive and interact within a volunteer professional organization like AECT.

Over the past several years, I have been responsible for the development and implementation of numerous grant and contract budgets. As a school board president, I am responsible for the finances of a K-12 school.  This experience would help me contribute to financial discussions of the AECT Board, and help promote the responsible, efficient use of organizational finances. I would certainly be mindful of trends in conference registrations, as well as member retention by division, which I know provides important data to consider on the future financial health of the organization.

I understand that service in the role of executive secretary would require me to record, collect and distribute the minutes at all executive committee and board of directors’ meetings. Safeguarding the communication and dissemination of information to the right people in an orderly and timely manner would also be my purview. Over the last four years I have developed much experience in these kinds of communication through my interactions with the Arkansas Commissioner of Education and his deputy commissioners, the charter school review board, and the state board of education. Completing a charter school application, gaining community support, presenting before the various boards and panels, and interacting on feedback from the commissioners has been a great opportunity to learn the importance of communication and dissemination of information in a timely and concise manner.

My professional experience in the field, combined with my familiarity with and participation in the shared decision-making process that has been established within the leadership team of AECT, make me excited to be considered as executive secretary. If chosen to serve in that role, it would indeed be an honor. Thank you for considering me as a candidate for this important position.