On Monday, May 2, 2005, Rachel Nix assumed the Directorship of the Arkansas Fire

Training Academy. Rachel was the unanimous choice of the Screening Committee. This

committee was composed of members of the Fire Protection Services Board and SAU

Tech staff members. It was the general consensus of this group that Rachel’s long time

commitment to the Fire Academy placed her in the best position to bring members of the

Arkansas fire community together for the benefit of all.

As I have traveled around the state I have been impressed by how well Rachel Nix is

liked by both paid and volunteer fire fighters. I believe she has been instrumental in

training most of the fire fighters in the state. Hopefully, you will all rally around her in

order for her to be successful in her new position.

During this search for a new Director, I heard the message loud and clear that an Arkansan

should be hired into this leadership position instead of an outsider. As I leave SAU

Tech and the Fire Academy for retirement at the end of June, my wish is that you will

support Rachel in her efforts to unify the Arkansas fire community in order for us to provide

the training that you seek.

Dr. Roger Worsley, Chancellor

SAU Tech