Elizabeth Higgins, University of Southern Maine, Portland, ME

Past Involvement in NACADA:

Years in NACADA: 9 years

National Offices Held and Accomplishments Achieved While in Office:

• Chair, Commission for Undecided and Exploratory Students (2004-present)

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

•  Region 1 —
           Planning Committee Member (2006)
           Conference Co-chair (2004, 2005)
           Evaluation Chair (2002, 2003)
           Maine State Coordinator (2000 - 2003)
           Site Committee Member (2001)
• Regional Conference Presentations — Act of Advising At Risk Students (2005); Ethics of Academic Advising (2003); Power to Help, Power to Harm (2002); Facing and Embracing the Digital Generation (2001); Developing a Collaborative Network of Advising Support (1999)

Committee/Task Force/Advisory Board Activities and Accomplishments:

•   Member, Assessment Institute Advisory Board (2005-present)

Commission/Interest Group Activities and Accomplishments:

• Current Member, Commission for Undecided and Exploratory Students and Advising Administration Commission
• Current Member, Probation/Dismissal/Reinstatement Issues Interest Group and Peer Advising and Mentoring Interest Group

Other:

• Author, Clearinghouse Article — "When Expectations and Reality Collide: Working with Students on Probation"
• Advising Consultant, Kennebec Valley Community College  (December 2003)
• Presenter, 2005 National Conference, "Advising At Risk Students"
• Co-Investigator, 1999 NACADA Research Grant, "Student Persistence and Success"
• Panelist, California Public Radio, "Undecided Students in Higher Education"
• Member, Advising Workgroup, University of Southern Maine
• Academic Advising Rep, General Education Planning Group

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? 

In my role as commission chair I have been involved with identifying goals, member outreach, web site review, conference proposal review and research. As a member of the Assessment Institute Advisory Board I am on a sub-committee which reviewed the program and developed outcomes.  Both of these positions provided me with experience and insight at the national level. My regional experience has enabled me to provide leadership for the state of Maine and regional conferences while promoting the critical role of academic advising in higher education.

• 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? 

NACADA has a strong strategic plan which constantly provides its leadership direction for achieving its goals.   As the organization continues to grow it will be important to continue to focus upon addressing the needs of academic advising within higher education, promoting involvement of diverse populations and supporting the vital role academic advising has within our institutions. Each will educate and provide growth for the profession, its individual members, their institutions and especially students.

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

It is important to me to give back to the profession and organization that has provided me with professional growth and opportunity.  It would be an honor to be a member of the Board and help NACADA continue to provide those opportunities to others and grow as an organization.

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