Southern: The Hospitality Regional

Abstract In this address, 2022 Southern States Communication Association President, Dr. Wendy Atkins-Sayre, argues that hospitality is a hallmark of the organization that we should embrace more passionately. Acknowledging the complicated history of hospitality in the Southern region, Dr. Atkins-Sayre encourages SSCA members to help reclaim, redefine, and reform the concept, putting hospitality into practice in our classrooms, research, service, and the organization itself. She concludes that genuine acts of hospitality can create a supportive environment; caring for others, offering help and support, creating a friendly and inviting atmosphere, giving generously to strangers and friends alike, opens doors for others, potentially changing lives and building a stronger region at the same time.