Kyle Ellis, University of Mississippi, University, MS

Past Involvement in NACADA:

Years in NACADA: 2 years

National Offices Held and Accomplishments Achieved While in Office:

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

• 2005 - NACADA State Representative for Mississippi
• 2005 Volunteer at Region 4 meeting, Tuscaloosa, AL
• 2004 - Served on the Evaluation Committee and assisted in the planning and coordinating of Region 4 Conference, Oxford, MS

Committee/Task Force/Advisory Board Activities and Accomplishments:

Commission/Interest Group Activities and Accomplishments:

• Current member: Commission on Advising Undecided/Exploratory Students, Liberal Arts Advisors Commission
• Current member: New Advising Professionals Potential Interest Group

Other:

• 2005 - Presented at NACADA National Conference, Las Vegas, NV
• 2005 - Graduate of NACADA Graduate Certificate in Academic Advising
• 2005 - Designed and taught course at current institution based off work done in NACADA graduate certificate program.

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? 

Although I have only been active in NACADA for 2 years, it has been a very busy and involved time in my life. When I began at the University of Mississippi in 2004, I was immediately involved in the planning and coordination of the 2004 NACADA Region 4 conference that we hosted in Oxford, Mississippi. This first hand regional planning experience made me decide to volunteer the next year at the 2005 Region 4 Conference in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

At the 2005 NACADA National Conference, I was honored with the opportunity to be a presenter. After the meeting in Las Vegas, I have made adjustments to the national presentation and focused it more for my regional colleagues. The proposal is currently submitted for consideration to be a session at the 2006 Region 4 Conference. I am also working closely with Ben Chamberlain, Chair of NACADA's New Advising Professionals Potential Interest Group, to form a pre-conference workshop on this issue for the 2006 Region 4 Conference. Currently, I am NACADA State Representative for the state of Mississippi, and a recent graduate of NACADA's Graduate Certificate in Academic Advising. I believe these two accomplishments, along with my various institutional and professional experiences, will help me be the leader of the best region in NACADA, Region 4!

• 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?

There are many important goals that we as advising professionals should strive to meet. Due to time and space constraints, I will mention only three at this time:

1. Increase regional membership — As state representative I am putting forth a great effort to get more state advisors involved in NACADA. If elected to represent Region 4, I will do the same on the regional level. NACADA is a great resource, and we should all do our part in telling the world who we are. We must expand our marketing efforts to attract new members.
2. Maintain and strive to increase professional development of the region. — I enjoy attending conferences, completing the NACADA graduate certificate, and many other professional development opportunities that NACADA provides. I will set a goal to provide and promote all development opportunities throughout the region. With new trends and issues emerging everyday in academic advising, it is very important for professional development to flourish in our region.
3. Bridge the gap between new advising professionals and our wonderful experienced advisors in the region. At the 2005 NACADA National Conference, we addressed the many important issues facing new advisors. We have some of the best, and most experienced advisors in the country, and they are our best resources.  I am a walking testimonial of how a little guidance from a seasoned advisor can start a new advisor off in the right direction.

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

Dr. Charlie Nutt, originally a Region 4 leader and now at Kansas State, has been an excellent friend, mentor, and resource to me. While assisting in the planning and coordination of the 2004 Region 4 meeting, he and many other regional colleagues went above and beyond the call of duty to welcome me with open arms to their region. I believe this is now my opportunity to give back. While attending national conferences, it has been my observation that Region 4 members are the most passionate about serving students, their institutions, and especially fellow advising colleagues. I knew from the beginning this was a very special and dedicated region. I would truly be honored to use my energy and passion for academic advising to lead this great region in all future endeavors.

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

Some may frown upon only two years of service in NACADA. However, in those two years, I have put in countless hours of dedication to NACADA on the state, regional, and national levels. The experiences, knowledge, and most important the friendships I have made as a NACADA member make me feel like I have been a member for a lifetime. Any fellow Region 4 member that has gotten to know me will tell you what an energetic and involved advising professional I am. I look forward to using my eagerness to promote the profession, and my enthusiasm to help make the best region even better. Thank you for your consideration, and if elected, I look forward to representing the best region in NACADA, Region 4!