We are very pleased to learn that Ohio University has appointed Duane Nellis as its President. As many of you know Duane is a geographer! He has previously served in several high level academic posts and is a past president of the AAG (Duane Nellis (2002–03)).

Duane served as AAG President in the middle of a period of great influence by OSU Geographers: all the asterisked AAG Presidents below have strong OSU connections!

*Lawrence A. Brown (1996–1997)             Professor & Chair
*Patricia Gober (1997–1998)                     PhD, 1975, Advisors: H.L. Gauthier/G. Demko
William L. Graf (1998–1999)
*Reginald Golledge (1999–2000)               Former faculty memberSusan L. Cutter (2000–01)
Janice J. Monk (2001–02)
Duane Nellis (2002–03)
Alexander B. Murphy (2003–04)
*Victoria A. Lawson (2004–05)                    PhD, 1986, Advisor: L.A. Brown
Richard A. Marston (2005–06)
*Kavita Pandit (2006–07)                             PhD, 1987, Advisor: E. Casetti
Thomas J. Baerwald (2007–08)
*John A. Agnew (2008–09)                           PhD, 1976, Advisor: K. Cox

Leadership of our national organization is an important service. Thanks to all!

In other national news: the border land continues to attract high level attention. The New York Times reports.

Kenneth Madsen is extremely familiar with the people and places featured in this article and was at last Friday's meeting. He reports that there were 200+ people there (standing room only) rather than "dozens"! The event was couched as an educational panel, and there will be another listening circle meeting in April at Tohono O'odham Community College where Kenneth will serve on a panel.  Very much a hot topic right now. We are always glad when our faculty can contribute their expertise to current events.