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Implementation and Outcomes

The five 2019 aspirations are much the same as the first To promote the science of geology, two ideals must be
aspirations of GSA in 1888, when the American Geological achieved—the advancement of the geosciences (its worth to
Society was formed for “the promotion of the science society and the world, its milestones, and its integration with
of geology by the issuance of scholarly publications, other sciences) and the advancement of geoscientists (their
the holding of meetings, the provision of assistance to study, careers, opportunities, and professional excellence).
research, and other appropriate means.” The best way to honor the aspirations and achieve these
ideals is to organize GSA around two centers for excellence.

The GSA Center for Geoscience Discovery will include The GSA Center for Professional Excellence will address
programs and initiatives surrounding geoscience field the professional development needs of all our members,
experiences, innovation and incubation of multidisciplinary including, but not limited to, student and early career
research, new and revised publications, revamped meet- programs, service to non-academic members, expanded
ings and conferences, and other means of advancing the research grants, mentoring, professional ethics, and
geosciences for members and the geoscience community. diversity initiatives. GSA aims to serve the professional
needs of its members from their first student presentation at
a GSA Section Meeting until they receive the Penrose Medal
and beyond.

GSA will organize its operations to streamline our services and communications to fit within the centers for excellence.
There are multiple steps and tasks along the way, and we are presently working to develop realistic action plans that
include timelines and measures of success. Progress on the strategic plan will be evaluated against benchmarks and
reported regularly to GSA leaders and members. Members are encouraged to participate and keep GSA on the right
track with sound programmatic and financial decisions going forward.

GSA will…

“keep supporting
students... As
long as GSA
serves students,
it serves me.”

28 GSA Today | October 2019
6 GSA 2019–2029 Strategic Plan