Dear Esteemed Colleagues,

As preparations are underway for the upcoming academic year, it is my honor to humbly serve as the 42nd President of the American Real Estate Society. For many of us, the society has made a profoundly positive contribution to our career vocations. I still vividly remember my first annual conference in Monterey, California (2009), and the following year’s memorable journey from Atlanta to Naples, Florida, in a van with my doctoral student colleagues. These early conferences were a time of encouragement, inspiration, and of course invaluable networking. What stands out from these experiences, and has remained consistent ever since, are the hallmarks of our members: the warm welcomes, the collegiality, and the insightful support that pave the way for new members to feel connected and motivated. Let us continue nurturing these strengths to keep our society a welcoming resource for real estate professionals and academics.

As we step into this new chapter together, let us recognize the remarkable dedication and perseverance that have shaped our organization’s identity. It is an affirmation to the vision and commitment of our members and leadership that the society has not only sustained but thrived amidst evolving demands and challenges. This year, as we embark on yet another enriching cycle of activities, I am reminded of the importance of fostering growth, not only within our society, but also through the broader academic and professional networks in which we operate, including our Sister Societies. Let us, therefore, continue to strengthen the collaborative and innovative initiatives to ensure that our contributions to real estate research and education remain relevant and impactful.

We can all share in our recent achievements, including successful conferences such as the 41st Annual Meeting in Tucson, where we continued our recognition of past leaders through the installation of Emeriti member status, and the Fall Research and Leadership Symposium hosted by the Franklin L. Burns School of Real Estate & Construction Management at the University of Denver. The Fall Symposium, now a permanent feature of our calendar, will be hosted by Harvard University in Fall 2026. Additionally, we eagerly anticipate the 42nd Annual Spring Conference at Hotel Effie, in the beautiful coastal setting of San Destin (Florida), from March 24-28, under Program Chair Justin Benefield. This event will continue addressing global themes with exceptional scholarship and content. We also remain committed to supporting international and domestic scholars through the James R. Webb Foundation and recognizing excellence through manuscript prizes. We look forward to welcoming all of you to the Emerald Coast!

Our migration to Taylor & Francis for journal publications has provided cost savings, shortened timelines, and enhanced metrics, elevating our global scholarly presence. The launch of the Routledge/American Real Estate Society Real Estate Thought Leadership Series further underscores our commitment to advancing real estate knowledge through books, monographs, and other media.

We remain on sound financial footing, and as your new President, I look forward to building on these accomplishments. Together with our leadership team, board of directors, committees, journal editors, and all of you, our dedicated members, we will continue to strengthen and advance our objectives: to encourage research, promote education in real estate, and foster the collaborative exchange of knowledge between academia and industry.

I would also like to encourage anyone interested to get more involved. We have a diverse set of committees covering everything from membership and strategy to publications and awards. Whether you are a seasoned member or new to the society, there is a place for you to make a meaningful impact and connect with colleagues from around the globe who share your interests.

Thank you for your dedication and hard work. I am excited about the journey ahead!

With gratitude,

Alan Tidwell, PhD,
President, American Real Estate Society
Associate Professor of Finance
Alabama Association of Realtors Chair of Real Estate
Culverhouse College of Business
University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Email: oatidwell@ua.edu
Direct: 205-348-0788