Glenn Kepic, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL

Past Involvement in NACADA:

Years in NACADA: 12 years

National Offices Held and Accomplishments Achieved While in Office:

• NACADA Southeast Region 4 Chair, October 2002-October 2004

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

• Co-Chair, Florida Drive-in Conference, 2006 (site TBA)
• Presented at 2005 NACADA Regional Conference, Tuscaloosa, AL — voted "Best of Region"
• Chair, Florida Drive-in Conference, April, 2001
• NACADA (Region 2) New Professional Award Recipient, 1995
• Regional Presentations:
  • Co-Presented "Parents: Friend or Foe", 2005 NACADA Region 4 Conference, Tuscaloosa, AL
  • Co-Presented "Current Trends in Florida Higher Education" and "Orientation for New Members", 2003 NACADA Region 4 Conference, Pensacola, FL
  • Presented "Probation, Dismissal, and Reinstatement", 2002 Region 4 NACADA Conference, Pine Mountain, GA
  • Presented "CLAS Readmission Program", 2000 NACADA Region 4 Conference, Orlando, FL
  • Presented "Second Chances: Advising Probationary and Readmitted Students", 1999 NACADA Region 4 Conference, Jacksonville, FL

Committee/Task Force/Advisory Board Activities and Accomplishments:

• Member, NACADA Publications Advisory Board, October 2005-present

Commission/Interest Group Activities and Accomplishments:

• Member, NACADA Commission & Interest Group Division Steering Committee, October 2004-present
• Chair, Probation, Dismissal, and Reinstatement Issues Interest Group, 2000-2002
• Current member: Liberal Arts Advisors Commission (since 2000), Advising Transfer Students Commission, and Undecided/Exploratory Students Commission
• Current member: Probation, Dismissal, and Reinstatement Issues Interest Group (since 1998)

Other:

• Attended the last 11 NACADA National Conferences, 1995-2005
• NACADA Summer Institute Scholarship Recipient, 2002
• NACADA Outstanding Advisor Award, 2000
• NACADA Outstanding Advisor Publication Certificate of Merit Recipient, 1997, 1999
• University of Florida activities:
  • University of Florida Productivity Award, 1999
  • University of Florida Academic Advisor of the Year, 1998-99
  • College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Academic Advisor of the Year, 1998-99
• National Presentations:
  • "Parents: Friend or Foe" and "Parents Gone Wild", 2005 NACADA National Conference, Las Vegas, NV (Co-Presented)
  • "Can I Petition That?", Pre-conference Workshop 2000 NACADA National Conference, Orlando, FL
  • "Can I Petition That?", 1999 National NACADA Conference, Denver, CO
  • "When Does No Mean No?", 1998 NACADA National Conference, San Diego, CA (Co-Presented)

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? 

As Region 4 Chair, I worked hard to be more inclusive of the entire region.  For years, we formally included Puerto Rico, but not the other islands in the Caribbean.  I submitted a proposal to include all islands in the Caribbean, and that proposal was approved.  So now Region 4 includes the entire Caribbean area.  We appointed a liaison to represent the new area in Region 4, and actively seek involvement from our newest members.

I also worked hard to develop new leaders and encourage participation from all members.  It was an honor and privilege to work with so many great people in a region with such strong advising traditions.

• 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?

It is easy to recognize that each region has different needs.  I would work with each region in identifying their specific needs while also incorporating the aspects of the Strategic Plan.  I believe that by working with each region individually, we can develop a plan that meets their regional needs while also meeting the vision and mission of the National Office.

Often times members feel more loyalty to their region, and find it easier to get involved at that level.  For other members, it comes down to financial pressure that forces them to choose involvement and participation at the regional level OR national level.  Because of these realities, it is important to ensure that the goals of the National Office are understood at the Regional level.  The trick is to allow the regions enough autonomy to serve their members' unique needs while also adhering to the Strategic Plan.  My experience in NACADA has allowed me to see these issues from both sides and I believe I would be able to serve as a successful intermediary between the regions and the board.

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

My participation in NACADA is what keeps me going as a professional advisor. I believe the NACADA leadership should include us "common folks".  I am not an administrator, dean, or director.  I am an ordinary advisor, and I represent the vast majority of NACADA members.  I believe in leading by example, and I wish to serve as a mentor to new members, and demonstrate the fact that NACADA is an open association that seeks participation and leadership from all members.

I also believe that my experiences during the last 12 years with NACADA have prepared me well for this leadership position.  I have worked with several different groups within NACADA, and have seen the way things have been done in the past.  I think there is always room for improvement, and I look forward to bringing new ideas to the Board while serving the needs of the Region Chairs and all members.

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

As an advisor, I often tell my students that they must find something that they love doing, then do it the best they can.  I am fortunate that I have been able to follow my own advice.  I am passionate about Academic Advising, and I actually get excited to go to work everyday!  I am committed to the field of advising, and at this point in my life, I could not imagine doing anything else. The opportunity to continue serving NACADA in the role of Regional Rep is exciting to me, and I will work hard to make the NACADA experience beneficial for all members.