Time to Move On

When I accepted the role of Editor-in-Chief of the J. of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering in January 2004, I established three goals for the Journal: (1) to make the review process more efficient and timely; (2) to ensure that all authors receive a fair review of their manuscripts; and (3) to maintain the high quality of the Journal. I am proud to report that we achieved each of these goals and that the Journal has a bright future despite increasing competition from other journals in geo-engineering.

One of the major undertakings under my tenure as Editor-in-Chief was to move the review process into the electronic age. We have made this transition in two steps. The first step consisted of managing manuscripts through e-mail, which has greatly accelerated reviews and improved communication between authors, editors, and reviewers. Implementation of the e-mail distribution system reduced review times by 39%, on average. Concurrently, we developed a web-based system for managing manuscripts in coordination with ASCE staff. By the time this editorial is published, we expect to have the web-based management system operational and available to authors. We anticipate that the web-based system will further expedite reviews and result in even better communication between all parties involved in the publication process.

In January 2007, Professor Jonathan Stewart will assume the role of Editor-in-Chief. I am honored that Jon has offered to take on this role, and believe that the Journal will be in capable hands under his leadership. Professor Richard Finno will also be retiring as an editor at the end of 2006, and I wish to express my gratitude to Rich for his faithful service to the Journal. Dr. Kenneth Fishman and Professor Joseph Labuz will continue on as editors. I am thankful for the work of Ken and Joe during my time as Editor-in-Chief, and am glad that they have agreed to continue serving. Professors Patrick Fox and Mohammed Gabr will also be joining the Journal as editors in January 2007. I believe that Pat and Mo will be excellent stewards of the Journal, and I thank them for agreeing to serve.

I am grateful to the readership of the Journal, ASCE, and the Geo-Institute for offering me the opportunity to have served in this role. Serving as Editor-in-Chief has been a wonderful experience.