By  T. Scott Beck

Chairman

South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission

Columbia, SC

When we think of the fall season, we think of change. Changes in the weather, vegetation, and daylight hours. These changes affect nearly all aspects of our daily lives from the way we dress to how we measure time and manage our daily schedules. These changes are usually viewed as the ending of a cycle. Long, warm summer days turn dark and cool. Daylight hours grow shorter affecting daily rhythms in preparation for winter hibernation.

What if we shift our mental focus and view fall not as an ending, but rather, as a beginning. Children return to school to begin another school year. Football season begins. The leaves on the trees begin the senescent processes that yield fantastic displays of beauty and color. The October issue of Lex & Verum is no exception. It is a beginning of new ideas, theories, concepts, and discourse that initiate continued growth for our workers’ compensation systems. This growth forms the foundation upon which we can all build lifelong friendships and professional relationships which allow us to implement positive change across our organizations. The networking aspect of this organization is invaluable.

Think of this fall as a time to begin something new. Chart a new path and participate in the many opportunities the NAWCJ offers. Join us for the Lunch and Learn Series, participate as an attendee or presenter at the New Judge’s Bootcamp, participate in the Moot Court program, volunteer to work on the various committees within the organization, attend The Judicial College, or attempt to become a certified adjudicator. Among the variety of articles in this edition of the Lex & Verum are those describing the innumerable benefits of the College and an explanation of the new certification process.

I want to offer my sincere thanks to Judge Bishop and Commissioner Cording for their efforts putting together the College agenda. It is an arduous task and their commitment to meaningful and relevant education was certainly noteworthy this year. I have been attending the College since 2011 and each year we seem to improve on the past. This year was no exception.

However, beginnings cannot exist without endings. In Latin, the word “equinox” is comprised of two words “aequus” meaning “equal” and “nox” meaning “night.” The autumnal equinox is one of the two times each year when day and night hours are nearly equal. The NAWCJ has entered its “autumnal equinox,” as we have recently completed the 2026 Judicial College

and another leadership term ends. Concurrently, new opportunities to participate in the organization emerge alongside the commencement of a new leadership term.

I thank Sheral Kellar for her outstanding and admirable term of service with our organization. I undoubtedly have large shoes to fill but welcome the honor of serving as the President of the NAWCJ for the next two years. I commit my best efforts to carry on the exemplary work of my predecessors and look forward to the new beginnings we forge together.

And so, the rhythm continues, endings and beginnings coexist in a symbiotic relationship that is in a state of constant change. This change is impossible to escape and so we embrace it, adapt, and move forward together with a renewed understanding and purpose.