Patricia Griffin, Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS

Past Involvement in NACADA:

Years in NACADA: 8 years

National Offices Held and Accomplishments Achieved While in Office:

• South Central Region VII Chair, October 2003-October 2005

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

• Co-Chair, Region VII Conference, The Road Less Traveled, Overland Park, KS, May 27-29, 2004 — Worked with the Kansas Academic Advising Network to coordinate and host the conference. Conference attendance increased 44.8% from 2003. There were 76 new members who attended.
• Kansas Representative, Region VII Steering Committee, 2002-2003 — Worked to develop new Operating Principles and Budget.
• Region VII Liaison, KAAN (Kansas Academic Advising Network), September 2005-present
• KAAN Website Coordinator, 2002-present
• Vice Chair/Chair/Past Chair, KAAN, September 1999-2002 — Worked to provide opportunities through list serve, increase use of institutional members, increase organization membership and participation in Western Kansas, and develop Best of State Presentation Award.
• KAAN Conference Chair, Back to the Future: The Basics and Beyond, Kansas Academic Advising Network (KAAN) State Conference, Hays, Kansas, September 7-8, 2000 — Worked to create networking opportunity for conference attendees by initiating charter bus from Eastern Kansas across the state to conference location (Hays). Established Town Hall Meeting that has been continued through conferences with format adjusted to meet focus of the conference.
• KAAN Newsletter Editor, 2001-2002
• Presenter, Region VII Conferences - 2000, 2001, 2003 and 2005
• Presenter, KAAN (Kansas Academic Advising Network) Conferences, 2000-2005

Committee/Task Force/Advisory Board Activities and Accomplishments:

• Member, Faculty Advising Training Video Review Board, November 2005-present — Reviewing this material and making suggestions to the Professional Development Committee regarding what its recommendations should be about its future.        
• Member, Finance Committee, October 2005-present — Oversees the financial operations of the Association and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors on funding of Association activities. The Finance Committee also recommends policies and procedures regarding income and expenditures of Association funds.
• Member, Academic Advising Summer Institute Advisory Board, October 2004-present

Commission/Interest Group Activities and Accomplishments:

• Current Member: Advising Administration Commission, Faculty Advising Commission, and Assessment of Advising Commission
• Current Member: Distance Education Advising Interest Group

Other:

• Presenter, NACADA National Conferences - 2000, 2001 and 2003-2005
• Peer Reviewer, Higher Learning Commission (North Central Association Accreditation), Academic Quality Improvement Program, May 2005-present
• Fort Hays State University activities:
  • Member, Retention Committee, August 1998-June 2003 and October 2005-present
  • Member, International Education Management Group, November 2004-present
  • Member, NCA Council for Institutional Effectiveness, April 2000-present
  • Member, Service Learning Advisory Board, February 2001-2002
  • Chair, Academic Advising Committee, August 1999-present
  • Chair, Academic Reinstatement Board, 1999-present
  • Member, Academic Advising Committee, August 1997-present
  • Member, Financial Aid Appeals Committee, August 1997-present

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? 

1. Commitment to financial responsibility with region and conference budgets.
2. Promoted professional recognition for graduate students, faculty and professional advisors.  First awards presented in 2005.
3. Connected with state organizations to encourage allied memberships within region.
4. Increased the information flow to regional members regarding professional development opportunities.
5. Encouraged state participation of best of state presenters for automatic presenter spot at regional conference.

• 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?

Strengthen the regional governance structure-I believe that the reorganization of NACADA during the past five years has created opportunities and strategic issues that have left the regional chairs in a state of flux in what they can do to strengthen their voices.

The vision of NACADA is to be the leader within the global education community for the theory, delivery, application and advancement of academic advising to enhance student learning and development.  I believe I can contribute to development of enhanced student learning through academic advising through assessment and the provision of information across our members and beyond. The importance of advising as teaching is paramount to the nature of accountability and assessment of academic advising and its importance throughout higher education.

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

My commitment to the vision and mission of NACADA has been strengthened by my opportunities for involvement within the association.  I would like to be able to give back to the regional division to help formulate and provide guidance as we adjust and strengthen the current regional governance structure.  A review of processes and participation in this structure are key to providing accurate communication within association.  Forward movement with the new initiative, strategic plan and review our processes can assist the division in determining both its strengths and opportunities within the scope of the association.

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

My experiences as a region chair and a region steering committee from the unveiling of the NACADA Strategic Plan can only be an asset to leading and communicating within the regional division.  NACADA's system of guided participatory management gives power and responsibilities to each of the divisions.  Strategic initiatives can only be strengthened by input and representation of all view points.  NACADA has made a strong commitment to its strategic planning process.  Improving the leadership communication processes and assisting the regional chairs in their need to be heard moves the division forward as it continues to focus on improving the processes while recognizing the need for new ideas and different improvement targets unique to each region.