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Note from the Director
Happy New Year, friends of the Canyon Center!
It is an honor of a lifetime to write this note as the new director of Jacksonville State University's Little River Canyon Center. As an area native, when I moved away for college I would not have dreamed a role like this would exist— much less that I might be the one fortunate enough to fill it. I benefit immeasurably from those who came before me who were bold enough to dream and dedicated enough to see those dreams become a reality.
I am especially grateful that our founding director—now director emeritus—Pete Conroy has agreed to stay on board in an advisory capacity. His persistent passion and generous willingness to share his knowledge and vision are a great boon not just to the Cayon Center, but to our entire region.
I have also inherited an exceptional staff with a commitment to public education, conservation, and community engagement. It is their legacy of stewardship and programming that has made the Canyon Center the vibrant and welcoming space it is today. My role, as I see it, is to equip them with all the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive and then to promptly get out of their way.
I have enjoyed an warm and friendly welcome from Jax State faculty and staff, Canyon Center volunteers, Northeast Alabama community members, and the National Park Service team onsite here at the Canyon. The success of our mission is made possible by all of us working in concert with one another, sharing our strengths, and building on the foundational work that preceded us. I look forward to many more years of deepening each of those collaborative partnerships.
I look forward to seeing you sooner than later at one of our signature events throughout the year or as you visit the center before venturing outdoors. Please don't hesitate to reach out if I can ever be of service.
With gratitude,
T.C. McLemore
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