Donna Dunn, Radford University, Radford, VA

Past Involvement in NACADA:

Years in NACADA: 17 years

National Offices Held and Accomplishments Achieved While in Office:

Regional Activities/Offices Held, including accomplishments achieved while in office:

• Member, Region 2 Steering Committee, 1999-2004
• Virginia Liaison to Region 2, 2001-2004
• Co-chair, 2000 Regional Conference, Region 2 & 3, Roanoke, VA
• Co-chair, 2001 Virginia Drive-in, Radford, VA
• Presented at Region 2 Regional Conference in 2003, 2002, 1999, 1998, 1995, 1993; at Region 3, 1991
• Attended other Regional Conferences including 2005

Committee/Task Force/Advisory Board Activities and Accomplishments:

• Served as Publications Committee Chair for the 1996 National Conference in Washington, DC (hosted by Region 2)

Commission/Interest Group Activities and Accomplishments:

• Current member, Advising Education Majors Commission Steering Committee
• Current member: Advising Education Majors Commission, Faculty Advising Commission, and Advising Transfer Students Commission
• Current member: Probation/Dismissal/Reinstatement Issues Interest Group

Other:

• Presented at national conferences in 2000, 1999, 1998, 1995, 1994, 1992, 1991
• Presented at Freshman Year Experience Conference in 1991, 1990
• NACADA Outstanding Advising Certificate of Merit Recipient, 1991
• Activities and Honors at Radford University:
  • Received "Outstanding Faculty Service Award", Radford University College of Education and Human Development, 1995
  • Member, Radford University Academic Advising Committee since 1992

Platform Statement:

• Highlight your involvement in this unit that will help you in leading this unit. What roles have you played in this unit thus far?

I am very pleased to be a candidate for Region 2 Chairperson. I've had numerous opportunities to be involved at the Regional level and I believe these experiences will enable me to be an effective leader. Although I have not had a lot of opportunity to work with the current outstanding Region 2 Chairperson, I was fortunate enough to work a great deal with Terry Musser and Bill Johnson. I believe they were excellent role models and I learned a great deal from both of them.  I have a strong desire to rejoin the steering committee and provide leadership and support in the endeavors of the Region.  I believe strongly in the Region's current goals and am excited about possibly being involved in moving the region forward.

I have served as Regional conference chair, drive-in conference chair, state representative, member of the Regional Steering Committee, and presenter at Regional conferences numerous times.  As state representative, I was able to recruit two Virginia NACADA members to also chair drive-in conferences on their campuses.  These roles have allowed me to develop an understanding of the commitment required of a Regional Chair, to see and hear the expectations of conference attendees, and to experience both professional and personal growth as a result of being actively involved in NACADA at the Regional level.

• What do you believe are the most important goals and initiatives for this unit in meeting the strategic plan for both the unit and the Association?

Although all the Region 2 goals are important and will be important to meeting the strategic plans, working with constituencies at the state and local levels is vital.  Unfortunately, not all professionals are given an opportunity to attend a national conference.  By continuing to offer opportunities at the state and regional levels, we will be able to increase their knowledge, seek input that can be communicated to the Executive Committee, encourage research, and affirm the importance of the role of academic advising.  I believe it is vital that members be given opportunities to express their needs and means of meeting those needs be developed.  As professionals, it is vital that we work together to promote the mission of academic advising and its role in student development and student success.

• Why are you interested in serving in this leadership position or what influenced you to run for this leadership position?

My involvement in NACADA and my professional growth as an advisor have led me to seek this position.  In addition, I have a very strong support system on my campus from the Associate Vice President for Academic Programs, my Dean, faculty in my College, and staff in the Advising Center.  This position will present opportunities to be more actively involved in promoting the importance of academic advising locally as well as at the Regional level.  I hope that through serving as Regional Chair and working with the Regional Steering Committee, I can help promote the critical role that academic advisors are playing in the educational process.

• Provide any additional comments or information regarding your past experiences and qualifications that relate to your candidacy for this leadership position. 

I have been an advising coordinator (director at some schools) for 18 years and find that every time I return from a State Drive-in, Regional or National conference, I am rejuvenated and excited about what I do.  I return to the office with great ideas and with confidence in academic advising at my University.  I want other professionals to know the satisfaction, the fulfillment, and the sense of "a job well done" the way I do.  NACADA has been a positive influence in the advising process on my campus and has helped me to become a competent professional.  By serving as Region 2 Chair, I hope to promote research, recognition for outstanding advising, and professional development opportunities for others.