Welcome from the Executive Director
Just as it has done for almost 110 years, ASOR welcomes you and seeks to facilitate and foster your study of and interest in the eastern Mediterranean regions. From the beginning, ASOR has been apolitical and interdiscplinary—the charter document states that ASOR enables persons to pursue "biblical, linguistic, archaeological, historical, and other kindred studies and 
researches." The same is true today, and I invite you to not only explore the ASOR website but to see how you can be a part of our mission.
For new members, I encourage you to consider a membership and reap benefits that include our three journals (BASOR, NEA, and JCS). If you are a scholar or graduate student, joining with one of our professional memberships will give you a subscription to two of the three journals. If you are a non-specialist who is interested in the history and archaeology of the Near East and related studies, our contributing membership is designed for you. This membership category ($125 total fee) includes a $100 tax-deductible gift and a $25 special subscription-rate for NEA and the Newsletter.
No matter which membership category you choose, all members qualify for a special, discounted rate at ASOR's annual meeting. The annual meeting is ASOR's focal event of the year. Approximately 700 scholars, students, and interested members of the public will come together for 3 intensive days of academic lectures, poster presentations, business meetings, evening receptions, and general conversation. This is a central event for our members as often as they are able to attend.
Finally, let me invite you to participate in our fellowship programs. If you are a student or jr. scholar, ASOR wants to facilitate your study of the eastern Mediterranean regions through summer field work (Harris, Platt, and Heritage Fellowships), reasearch scholarships, or travel support to the annual meeting. I invite all others to consider providing important financial support for these important fellowships (click here to donate online). In particular, please consider a heritage membership—a contribution of $2500 that provides up to two excavation scholarships for qualified students of archaeology. Please contact me directly for more information.
Again, welcome, and I look forward to working with you.
Andrew G. Vaughn, Ph.D., has been ASOR's executive director since January, 2007.