The 2003 Class of the Professional Development Program (PDP), congregated in Austin, Texas, on June 16 – 20. Hosted by the Marriott Capitol and sponsored by the Texas Center for the Judiciary, Inc., a total of 130 court coordinators, court administrators, managers and other support staff from across the State of Texas came together for a weeklong educational experience, which many TACA members will fondly remember as ‘a week in Huntsville’
TACA members have served as facilitators for this weeklong conference since the program’s inception 23 years ago. The three Court Coordination classes, (or as we all know them- the Blue, Green and Orange groups) benefited from the knowledge and expertise of 2003 faculty members: Blue (Rural Counties) – Cathy Burnett and Linda Kellum; Green (Multi-county/mid-size counties) – Ed Wells and Wayne Bowling; Orange (Urban Counties) – Cynthia DeJean and Kristy Harris. The Management Class, is under the care and direction of TACA’s charter member, Bob Wessels. The Administration Class is mentored by TACA member, Dr. Charles Friel.
The students participate in interactive classes, with curriculum tailored specifically for their court size and jurisdiction. Topics ranging from case assignment systems and case flow management to professionalism and priority tasking. The students learn first hand from Texas’ Judiciary members who volunteer their time to teach the general sessions on topics such as criminal and civil procedure, ethics and legislative updates. Faculty members from Sam Houston State University and other acclaimed speakers from within Texas and throughout the country add to the credibility and distinction this program has acquired. ]
Certificates for the graduating class of 2003 are traditionally awarded at TACA’s Annual Education Conference in the Fall. The 2003 Annual Education Conference is scheduled for September 30 through October 3, 2003, in Austin.
Table of Recipients