SWOSU Digital Commons

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VOLUME 5, ISSUE 2: WINTER 2015

Introduction

Challenge of Change was the theme of the Administrative Issues Journal’s 5th Anniversary Conference held in October 2015, and, over the five years of its existence, the AIJ has both implemented and had to adapt to change in order to continue providing high quality, peer-reviewed articles and cross-disciplinary conference presentations. Journal board members understand that “neither a wise man nor a brave man lies down on the tracks of history to wait for the train of the future to run over him” (Dwight D. Eisenhower), and so we embrace our opportunities to adapt.

“If nothing ever changed, there’d be no butterflies.”—Unknown Author

The AIJ has had five different student editorial assistants. Each has contributed to the journal in his or her own way, and, in turn, the journal has contributed to their professional and personal growth. The AIJ now welcomes Ms. Chandra Vue as the sixth student to take on this vital role of interacting directly with authors, reviewers, and board members.

“Continuity gives us roots; change gives us branches, letting us stretch and grow and reach new heights.” –Pauline R. Kezer

The composition of the journal’s editorial and advisory boards has also changed. Dr. Patsy Parker moved from the editorial to the advisory board, Mr. Frederic Murray changed roles to become the Managing Editor, and Dr. Jared Edwards joined the journal in fall 2015 as the new Editor-at-Large. Several recent additions to the advisory board from other universities and disciplines also provide new perspectives.

“To exist is to change, to change is to mature, to mature is to go on creating oneself endlessly.”—Henri Bergson

Over the past five years, the AIJ has also embraced new technologies. The publication process has become more streamlined and confidential for peer review with its transition to hosting on the publication platform Scholastica. Ease of access has also been increased. Formerly, the content was formatted using complex software to produce a unique look for the PDF, but articles can now be posted in html format, as well, which is readable across various electronic devices. With accessibility as its objective, the journal board continues to investigate better ways to communicate with existing and potential authors and reviewers.

“All change is not growth, as all movement is not forward.”—Ellen Glasgow

As discussed at the annual conference, predatory publishing is a growing problem that threatens legitimate open-access, peer-reviewed journals such as the AIJ. The journal board strives to maintain high review standards, while providing the unique service of a personalized editorial process to its authors. This enables the AIJ to optimally present research results that are freely available to the public.

“The more things change, the more they stay the same.”—French Proverb

No matter how much the people, appearance, or publishing process may change for the AIJ, the principle of open access publication remains the same: to support the greater global exchange of knowledge. After all, “you must welcome change as the rule but not as your ruler” (Denis Waitley). Enjoy Volume 5, Issue 2, which further celebrates the five year milestone of the Administrative Issues Journal.