Although we are publishing the new website with our latest issue, Vol. 6 No. 2, we are still working on elements for the new website. We welcome any comments, input, and questions as we further develop our website. If you have suggestions, please contact the Editor, Andrew Lokie. 

We would like to acknowledge all those involved with the arrival of this long-awaited project. In particular, we should take another moment to express our gratitude to Dr. Marc Cooper. As managing editor, Marc’s knowledge and passion for civic engagement and public scholarship, blended with his interest in web development, helped forge the eJournal into an innovative and respected academic journal. Dr. Cooper simultaneously improved the double-blind review process and led the journal through nearly six years of successful issue releases. He was proactive in his encouragement for scholars across the country to participate in adding authorship, reviewing, and/or editing to their academic portfolios. Marc had a vision and contagious enthusiasm for what the eJournal could be and pursued it with his high regard for quality and integrity.

Since Marc’s tragic passing a little over a year ago, he is not here to celebrate with us. Therefore, we dedicate the newly revised website to the memory of Dr. Marc Cooper. We truly feel his presence as we continue the eJournal’s work.

We would be remiss not to also express gratitude for Missouri State University’s continued support. During a time of serious cutbacks in state funding, the University, in particular, Provost Dr. Frank Einhellig, found a way to continue MSU’s funding and support for the important work of the eJournal. President Clif Smart articulates the University’s mission for Public Affairs in the video featured in our video gallery. We also appreciate the continued collaboration and partnership with the American Democracy Project. The eJournal editorial team also needs to acknowledge our appreciation for such an impressive group of prominent and dedicated Editorial Board members.

Lastly, I would like to thank the eJournal editorial team and the individuals who lent their assistance as we navigated through some very tragic moments. Dr. Kris Sutliff, Professor Emeritus, jumped in to fill the role as managing editor; Dr. Darrell Hamlin recently agreed to fill the position and responsibilities as managing editor; Charles Whitaker has contributed and evolved the position as associate editor; Adam Lockwood, our web strategist, has surpassed our expectations for the design, development, and collaborations to produce this new website. I want to recognize the insight, administrative skills, and compassion of Dr. Rachelle Darabi, Associate Provost of Student Development and Public Affairs. She is our executive editor, who initiated and led the efforts to replace the old MSU print publication into a well-respected online academic publication resource.

In closing, I thank everyone not mentioned who supported and helped us through some difficult moments. I, too, welcome and express gratitude for all of your continuing support, participation, and contributions, since this ultimately determines the relevance and success of the eJournal of Public Affairs. In regard to the mission of the eJournal for civic engagement, citizenship, and public affairs, it seems especially important for us to encourage the exchange of ideas, dialog, and appropriate actions that ensure our democracy.

On behalf of our Editorial Team,

Andrew P. Lokie, Jr.
Associate Professor & Director of Special Projects
Editor, eJournal of Public Affairs
Missouri State University