Texas Society of Radiologic Technologists, Inc.
Kevin R. Clark, Ed.D., R.T.(R)(QM)(ARRT), FAEIRS, FASRT, President TXSRT
Good day, Texas family!
It is an absolute honor to stand before you as President of the Texas Society of Radiologic Technologists. I’m thrilled, I’m grateful, and I’m also humbled to be standing here thinking about the path that brought me to this podium.
That journey wouldn’t have been possible without a few extraordinary people in my life; each of them Texans who’ve made a lasting impact on my career and on who I am as a professional.
Let’s start with Marilyn Sackett. Marilyn has this rare gift: She’s wise, she’s grounded, and she’s not afraid to tell you how it is. If you’ve ever asked her about legislative issues, you know she doesn’t sugarcoat things. And when she says, “This bill isn’t getting out of committee,” you might as well go ahead and file it under Nice Try. Her guidance has shaped how I understand advocacy, and I’ve learned that straight talk is sometimes the most compassionate kind.
Then there’s Dr. Beth Vealé. When I first began teaching at MSU Texas, I was a stranger in Wichita Falls, 8 hours from my family and wondering what I’d gotten myself into. But Beth didn’t just show me where the faculty lounge was; she showed me I had a place. She became my local family, and her generosity and mentorship during those early days still mean the world to me.
Dr. William Undie placed his trust in me to lead the graduate program at MD Anderson. That trust was a turning point. Yes, it came with high expectations but also unwavering support and the freedom to grow. That kind of professional encouragement doesn’t happen often, so I carry it with me in every decision I make.
And one more person I must mention: Brandon Smith. Brandon was one of my graduate students, and today, he’s been elected twice to serve as the ASRT President. As an educator, there are few things more rewarding than watching your students soar, not just professionally, but as leaders on a national and international level. I like to think I taught him something useful, besides APA format! Brandon’s success reminds us that when we invest in our students, the return is immeasurable.
Now, let’s talk about where we’re headed because we’ve got big plans. We’re launching several strategic initiatives this year that are focused on three areas: community and engagement; education and professional development; and advocacy.
First up: community and engagement. We’re building a contact list of radiology and radiation therapy managers across Texas. Why? Because we want to share regular, helpful updates; everything from upcoming meetings to legislative alerts to opportunities to get involved. Think of it like a group text you actually want to read: short, timely, and full of the kind of info that keeps you connected and in the know.
We’re also introducing new membership pathways that support both ends of the career spectrum. The student-to-professional transition membership will help recent graduates stay
connected after school because let’s be honest, they already have enough going on trying to pass boards and find their first job. On the other end, our new retirement membership will honor our long-serving members and keep them involved because we still need their wisdom and their stories! Look to vote on those membership levels at next year’s meeting.
Next: education and professional development. This year, we were fortunate to have Brandon Smith serve as our keynote. Although we love bragging about one of our own, we’re also working to bring nationally recognized experts to future meetings. Right now, we’re in discussions with ASRT CEO Dr. Melissa Pergola to attend next year’s conference. Can you imagine how impactful that would be, especially for students and first-time attendees, to have access to one of the most influential voices in our field?
We’re also planning new initiatives around the annual meeting: roundtable discussions, a radiation therapy track, and a few more surprises. The annual meeting is more than CE credits; it’s where you meet your people, share what’s working, and grow together.
Finally: advocacy. We know that if we don’t tell our story at the Capitol, someone else will, and they might not get the details right. That’s why we’re committing to hosting a Capitol Day every 2 years, aligned with Texas legislative sessions. We’ll start planning now for 2027, and we want technologists, therapists, educators, managers, and students to show up in Austin and show off. Let’s make sure our lawmakers see the faces behind the profession and understand the value we bring to health care every single day.
So yes, we’ve got work to do, but we’ve also got momentum, passion, and an incredible community standing behind this organization. Thank you for being here; thank you for believing in what we do; and thank you for the lives you touch every single day, whether you’re at the bedside, in the classroom, behind the scenes, or leading the charge.
I’m honored to serve, and I promise to do so with humility, gratitude, and a deep commitment to our shared future.
Warm regards,
Kevin R. Clark, Ed.D., R.T.(R)(QM)(ARRT), FAEIRS, FASRT
