MESSAGE FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT

Message from the Vice President

Over three years ago, President Alexander Gonzalez introduced Sacramento State’s “Redefine the Possible” initiative, with a focus on transformation of the campus, through innovation and the marshalling of resources. ABA has taken this charge to heart. Today, more than ever, we are redefining the possible every day in the workplace.

This spring, ABA Speaker Kunal Merchant described this very concept at work as he discussed the downtown sports and entertainment complex. Merchant, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives for the Sacramento Kings, characterized self-limiting thinking as one of the biggest obstacles to the success of the Sacramento region. As our own biggest critics, he said, we hold ourselves back from realizing our potential. He attributed the project's ultimate approval to communication and partnerships with the city, labor unions, the City Council and the community at large, with the goals of all constituents considered.

Today, at Sac State, thanks to a deeper understanding of our strengths, the collective development of goals, and a focus on sharing our story, we are prouder than ever - yet we continue to grow our potential. ABA’s programs capitalize on pride, partnerships and communication to keep us moving together toward common goals, a shared vision and new possibilities.

This edition of the ABA FOCUS newsletter reports on a few of ABA’s most recent efforts to redefine the possible. From sustainability programs that attract community participation and classroom conversons that improve the teaching/learning environment to programs that help students succeed financially, ABA continues to envision possibilities, creating new pathways to success.

The success of ABA programs and its workforce go hand and hand. It is the capabilities of each and every employee that make the division and the University strong. ABA boasts over 60 Sac State alums along with many other degreed and certificated professionals. But as staff redefine their own individual possibilities, they enrich and grow the possibilities for ABA and Sac State. Many ABA staff professionals are taking advantage of opportunities to improve, balancing work responsibilities with their own personal educational goals. A few of them agreed to share their stories in Behind the Scenes.

Recently, over a dozen ABA staff professionals attended the Sac State Fresh Steps program through Human Resources Professional Development & Training Program, which gave them the opportunity to reassess their priorities and personal goals, and become greater champions for their own success. To read comments from a few of the participants, click here.

I am consistently impressed by the progress we have made and by the work that ABA staff continue to do in support of Sac State and their own professional growth. Exciting times lie ahead this summer, as we prepare for President Alexander Gonzalez to step down and welcome incoming President Robert Nelson. I look forward to working with you through the upcoming months to create a smooth transition.

Ming-Tung "Mike" Lee
Vice President/CFO