2005 Nominating Committee Statement

APSA 2005 NOMINATING COMMITTEE

Stephen Holmes, New York University
Margaret Keck, Johns Hopkins University
Edmond Keller, University of California Los Angeles
Mathew McCubbins, University of California, San Diego
Karen Remmer, Duke University (chair)
Gary Segura, University of Washington

STATEMENT FROM THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE CHAIR

Serving as chair of the 2005 APSA Nominating Committee, I had the pleasure of working with a diverse and highly qualified group of colleagues: Stephen Holmes (New York University), Margaret Keck (Johns Hopkins University), Edmond Keller (University of California-Los Angeles), Mathew McCubbins (University of California, San Diego), and Gary Segura (University of Washington). Through the efforts of the APSA staff as well as working individually, we solicited suggestions for nominees for all offices from members of the association and affiliated organized groups. When the initial results of our efforts failed to measure up to expectation, the deadline for nominations was extended to allow for the submission of additional names. Members of the committee were also encouraged to send in nominations in advance of the committee meeting on February 27 and 28.

When the Nominating Committee convened at the national office, we were in a position to consider well over 100 names. Thanks to the efforts of the APSA staff, we had at our disposal considerable biographical information about each of the nominees, including educational background, areas of research and teaching, academic accomplishments, and prior service to the APSA. This information was invaluable to the committee in selecting a list of slate of nominees with the knowledge and experience to lead our association. In accordance with the APSA by-laws, the Nominating Committee endeavored "to give due regard to diversity, geographical distribution, fields of professional interest, type of institution, and academic/nonacademic employment status." In addition to these and other issues relating to the representation of the highly varied interests and concerns of the association's 15,000 plus membership, prior involvement in the affairs of the APSA was also an important element of the committee's discussion. We sought to field a slate of candidates with significant prior commitment to the association and experience relevant to the management of its organizational affairs, including participation in working groups and committees. We believe the resulting slate of fourteen nominees will serve the association effectively by offering a wide range of differing perspectives, skills, and experiences in the areas in which the association is currently active, including promoting scholarly research and communication, enhancing high quality teaching and education, diversifying the profession, increasing academic and non-academic opportunities for members, and disseminating research to the public at large. The committee thanks Michael Brintnall and Rebecca Myers for their extensive organizational assistance, which was vital to the execution of our charge.