My term as President of the Academy began with a loud bang. Early in 1988, I was among a group of audiologists who met in Houston, Texas to discuss the formation of a new organization of, by and for audiologists. It would be an understatement to say that the atmosphere was emotionally-charged. Some felt that this change was long overdue; others stated that we should present a list of "concrete changes" to ASHA, with a timetable for their response. An overwhelming majority of those in attendance voted to form a new organization which became known as the American Academy of Audiology. At the Spring, 1988 ADA conference in Orlando, James Jerger presented the keynote address which outlined the basic structure and mission of the AAA. Excitement and fear filled the air. Academy members wondered whether this new organization would have a proportional representation of audiology practitioners on their board of directors and be receptive to the needs and views of dispensing audiologists.

Twenty five ADA members met in Chicago in October, 1988 to lay out the blueprint for what would become the Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) program. This marked the first time that a group composed primarily of practitioners met to plan the future of audiology education. The Academy remains proactive in supporting the development of Au.D. programs, as well as advocating mechanisms for existing practitioners to achieve Au.D. status.

Early in 1988, the Academy had grown to the size that necessitated a change in its management. The ADA Board voted to hire J. Edgar Eubanks Associates in Columbia, S.C. to manage the Academy's operations. One of the first steps in that process was the upgrading of the Academy's publications. The creative leadership of Susan Whichard and the help of Nancy Cooper served to transform Feedback from a small newsletter into its present magazine format. In early 1990, our management team also assisted Carol Killingsworth and her staff of contributors in the development of the Academy's marketing handbook. The success of the ADA's conferences and activities could not occur without the outstanding work of the entire staff at Eubanks and Associates.