Co-Presidents: Robert Steensma and Brett McInelly
Past President: Kevin Cope
Vice President: Murray Brown
Director of Media and Internet Services: Susan Spencer
Co-Treasurers and Secretaries: Kathryn Stasio and Mike Stasio
Venues Committee Chair: Kevin Cope
Archivist: Robert C. Leitz, III
Members at Large: Phyllis Thompson, Laura Stevens, Joyce Palmer, Michael Rotenberg-Schwartz, James Thorson, Connie Capers Thorson, Gloria Eive, John Burke
European Liaison: Fritz-Wilhelm Neumann
Member at Small: David Paxman

Since its inception in 1975, the South Central Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies has provided a forum for scholars of the "long" eighteenth century (1688-1830). A regional affiliate of the American Society for Eighteenth Century Studies, SCSECS enjoys a reputation for exceptional conviviality and inclusiveness. Events such as pirogue swamp tours, dog races, and amphibious aquatic adventures along the Gulf Coast cheerfully jostle elbows with scholarly paper presentations and plenary lectures at our annual meetings.

Our 2009 meeting, which was held February 5-7 in the balmy clime of Corpus Christi, continued the tradition of sociable scholarship under the ever-capable direction of SCSECS Venues Director Kevin Cope. Next year: Salt Lake City! Geographical proof positive that South Central is, in reality, a State of Mind.

For those who want to retain membership in the organization but will not be able to attend the annual meeting, $15 will buy you membership and a subscription to our nifty newsletter to keep you up to date on all the latest SCSECS doings.

"Yes, but why SCSECS?" you might ask. "Of all the regional organizations that specialize in the eighteenth century, what's unique about this one?"

That's a fair question, especially in these days of incredible shrinking budgets. We like to consider ourselves a kinder, more raucous alternative to the subdued or cut-throat atmosphere that sometimes prevails at academic events. But for all our jovial frivolity--or, we sometimes like to think, because of it--the networking opportunities provided by SCSECS are superb.

Our membership is large, interdisciplinary, international, and active. And through our close relationships with the Noel Collection in Louisiana and AMS Press in New York, SCSECS is always there to provide a career boost when most needed. The recent launch of a graduate student travel fund and the SCSECS Presidential Prize can only lead to further opportunity for up-and-coming and established academics alike.

To further increase interaction, in 1998 our executive board established the "one cost covers all" registration policy. By eliminating the need to pay for social events and banquets piecemeal (a process that can add up quickly and become very expensive), we can offer an inclusive package at a much lower cost. And since everyone has paid in advance, there's a good chance that you'll see everyone at the group events--an excellent way to ensure you make contact with soulmates both in and outside your discipline.