Business Meeting Minutes
2025 MCA Business Meeting Minutes
February 7, 2025
Opening
Dr. Philip Poe called the meeting to order at 3:00.
Dr. Poe reminded attendees that those with a green dot on their name tag are eligible to vote.
Dr. Poe presented business meeting minutes and called for a motion to approve minutes. Dr. Cliff Fortenbery made a motion to accept the minutes as presented. Kristen Barnett seconded. No discussion. All in favor.
Dr. Lindsey Dancy presented the financial report with explanation of impending cost increase to keep up with required expenses to conduct the conference.
Dr. Terri Sasser made a motion to accept the report as presented. Barbara Baymon seconded the motion. No discussion. All in favor.
Old Business
None.
New Business
Brad Bailey presented his proposal for awards to begin in 2026. He noted that not all would be given every year and that once an individual was nominated they would always be in the pool. Bailey also summarized the role of the centennial celebration committee.
Proposed awards:
Bailey opened the floor for discussion.
The adoption of these awards does not require a vote by the membership. Nominations being accepted February 8th through June 30th. Dr. Poe accepted the report and proposal.
Election
Dr. Poe gave brief remarks about each candidate prior to ballots being handed out by Dr. Brandon Knight and Brad Bailey.
Three candidates for the Second Vice President position:
Carrie McCormick is the incoming Second Vice President.
Closing
Dr. Poe reminded attendees to stay involved.
Dr. Knight, the incoming President, gave a plaque to Dr. Poe and thanked him for his service.
The meeting adjourned at 3:36pm.
February 7, 2025
Opening
Dr. Philip Poe called the meeting to order at 3:00.
Dr. Poe reminded attendees that those with a green dot on their name tag are eligible to vote.
Dr. Poe presented business meeting minutes and called for a motion to approve minutes. Dr. Cliff Fortenbery made a motion to accept the minutes as presented. Kristen Barnett seconded. No discussion. All in favor.
Dr. Lindsey Dancy presented the financial report with explanation of impending cost increase to keep up with required expenses to conduct the conference.
Dr. Terri Sasser made a motion to accept the report as presented. Barbara Baymon seconded the motion. No discussion. All in favor.
Old Business
None.
New Business
Brad Bailey presented his proposal for awards to begin in 2026. He noted that not all would be given every year and that once an individual was nominated they would always be in the pool. Bailey also summarized the role of the centennial celebration committee.
Proposed awards:
- MCA Excellence in Teaching Award
- MCA Exceptional Scholarship Award
- MCA Distinguished Mentorship Award
- MCA Advocacy Award
- MCA Distinguished Service to the Discipline Award
- MCA Lifetime Achievement Award
Bailey opened the floor for discussion.
- Kristen Barnett congratulated Brad and suggested that these awards be adopted.
- Randrika Henderson suggested a textbook/book description be added for the scholarship award.
- Gail Brown asked for clarification of the 2nd Vice President role. Bailey explained based on the information included in the proposal.
- Carrie McCormick suggested adding “creative achievement” to the scholarship award.
- Nacer’s wife suggested adding a poster presentation to the conference.
- Henderson suggested that we add to the conference by bringing public speaking from high schools. Scholarly research speeches constitute scholarship presentations for the students.
- Bailey pointed out that it's not been limited but it will be made more clear in the call and planning.
- Baymon noted that we used to do a two-day conference and included lots of speech/debate.
- Dr. Poe explained some ideas being tossed by the committee like showcases and noted that the board is open to feedback and suggestions.
The adoption of these awards does not require a vote by the membership. Nominations being accepted February 8th through June 30th. Dr. Poe accepted the report and proposal.
Election
Dr. Poe gave brief remarks about each candidate prior to ballots being handed out by Dr. Brandon Knight and Brad Bailey.
Three candidates for the Second Vice President position:
- Shannon Bowden, Instructor, Mississippi Valley State University
- Carrie McCormick, Instructor, Mississippi State University
- Amanda Walsh, Speaking Center Director, The University of Southern Mississippi
Carrie McCormick is the incoming Second Vice President.
Closing
Dr. Poe reminded attendees to stay involved.
Dr. Knight, the incoming President, gave a plaque to Dr. Poe and thanked him for his service.
The meeting adjourned at 3:36pm.