Dear Judges,

I am coming to the end of my term with mixed emotions. It has been a great experience to work with the diverse personalities and viewpoints of those in leadership roles with a view to reaching consensus. I will also be greatly relieved to turn over the honor and responsibility of being chair of our judicial organizations to the most capable Chair-elect, David Garcia. I know the Texas Center will be well served!

In the 20-odd years since I took the bench there have been amazing changes in how we as judges perceive our role and the types of information we are presented with in the courtroom. When I started the big topic was, “Who should control the docket, judges or lawyers?” Since then we have come to automatic docket control orders, mediation, e-filing, e-mail, Facebook disclosures and YouTube videos. Through all of this the Texas Center for the Judiciary has continuously presented cutting edge education on the hot issues of the day. This excellence can be attributed to many: The Texas Center staff, curriculum committees of the Center, The Texas Center Boards and the many judges who have given of their time and expertise to Center programs. I salute you all!

I am looking forward to seeing you all in Grapevine at the Annual Judicial Education Conference.