President’s Address Heather Marie Wells

semc president’s address

Dear SEMC Friends,

I know you will all join me in sending thoughts and support to our colleagues in Kentucky who have been affected by the recent flooding. We are wishing you a speedy recovery.

It is hard to believe that in two and half months the annual meeting will be happening, and you all will be coming to Northwest Arkansas. It is so exciting to have SEMC coming here for the first time. The area has changed so much in the ten years since Crystal Bridges opened and it continues to change.

Crystal Bridges is in the midst of an expansion on the north side of our building. The Shiloh Museum of Ozark History in Springdale has also expanded in that time adding another historic building to their campus - restoring it and opening it to the public. The Rogers Historical Museum also expanded, opening a new exhibition space across the street from its existing location.

New institutions have also opened in the area since Crystal Bridges opened. 21C Art Museum Hotel, the Scott Family Amazeum, and the Momentary all opened in Bentonville. While the J. B. and Johnelle Hunt Family Ozark Highlands Nature Center opened in Springdale. The Razorback Regional Greenway, a 37.5-mile trail that extends from south Fayetteville north to the city of Bella Vista was also completed and connects a network of over 150 miles of trails throughout the region.

All of these were additions and expansions to a region that was already rich in culture, nature, architecture, and entertainment with organizations like the Museum of Native American History, Compton Gardens, Walmart Museum, Pea Ridge National Military Park, Daisy Airgun Museum, Arkansas Public Theater, The Walton Arts Center, Washington County Historical Society/Headquarters House, University of Arkansas Sports Museums, and Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park and E. Fay Jones’s Thorn Crown Chapel.

I cannot wait for you to arrive and experience the renaissance in our downtown areas, our hospitality, and the beauty of our changing seasons. I truly hope you can find time to either come in early or stay after the conference and spend more time exploring all our region has to offer as we have only been able to provide a small glimpse of the beauty and diversity of the Ozarks.

With anticipation, — Heather Marie Wells, SEMC President