TASA was founded in 1925, which, if my math is correct, was 99 years ago. For some perspective, in 1925 Texas Gov. Pat Neff handed over the reins to “Ma” Ferguson, the first female governor in Texas (and second in the nation) that year. Calvin Coolidge was president of the United States, and the Roaring ’20s were in full swing. “The Great Gatsby” had just been published and Babe Ruth was at the height of his baseball career. The Chrysler Corporation had just been formed, and the words “gas station,” “consumer credit,” and “motel” were used in print for the first time. The average cost of a new home was $6,296.
A lot has happened in our nation since 1925, and a lot has happened at TASA, too. As such, we will celebrate our centennial throughout 2025. This is a big deal. Really.
According to Lending Tree, only 25% of private businesses last more than 15 years; and according to Forbes, half of nonprofits fail or flail within 10 years. The reasons vary, but one thing is clear — an organization that survives and thrives for 100 years is pretty special. It doesn’t happen by accident, either. Success requires decades of strong leadership, and staff and members who can navigate the many challenges that exist every year. It requires clarity of vision and purpose. It requires engaged and sophisticated members.
TASA was born from the idea that public schools are integral to our nation and that strong public school leaders, therefore, are critical. Our mission has always been to promote, provide and develop public school leaders to best serve our students, and to advocate for our public schoolchildren.
The success of the United States is in many ways due to the success of our public schools. For nearly a century, TASA has played a role in serving Texas public school leaders. Personally, I find this to be an incredibly noble endeavor to which we all contribute, and I look forward to celebrating the countless named and unnamed successes with you next year. Stay tuned.
-TASA Executive Director Kevin Brown, Ed.D.
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