Nancy Walburn, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL

Past Involvement in NACADA:

Years in NACADA: 19 years

National Offices Held and Accomplishments Achieved While in Office:

• Board of Directors, Current member (2004-2007)
• Region IV Chair, 1992-1996 — increased regional membership; increased participation in regional conferences; increased involvement of each state in regional activities.

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

• Regional Steering Committee, 1990-1992 — increased state membership in NACADA; enhanced visibility of advising within the state; broadened membership to include diverse constituents.
• Region IV Conference Chair, 1992—organized and hosted conference with record attendance from all states
• State Workshop Coordinator, 1990, 1992, 2001—organized first State (Alabama) Advising Workshop; developed database for state contacts.

Committee/Task Force/Advisory Board Activities and Accomplishments:

• Program Committee Chairman, Concurrent Sessions, 2002 NACADA National Conference - utilized evaluations from past conference to invite "best presentations"; created a selection committee to represent the diverse perspectives of the membership
• External Relations Committee, 1998-2002 — developed liaisons with National Association of Advisors for Health Professions; presented NACADA-sponsored pre-conference workshop on advising at the NAAHP national conference, 2001.
• Revenue Enhancement Task Force, 2002 — developed recommendations for short term and long term plans to increase revenue streams.

Commission/Interest Group Activities and Accomplishments:

• Health Professions Advising Interest Group Chair, 2000-2003 --increased membership and participation at the national conference, and increased number of related programs (concurrent sessions) at national and regional conferences. Implemented collaborative initiatives with the National Association of Advisors for Health Professions. Serve as regional liaison, presenting issues related to pre-health professions advising within the region.
• Current member of Advising Administration Commission, Advisor Training and Development Commission, and Health Professions Advising Interest Group

Other:

• Leader, NACADA Leadership Program, 2000-2003
• NACADA Outstanding Academic Advising Administrator, 2003
• Developed or supervised development of award-winning advising programs and publications:
  • NACADA Outstanding Institutional Advising Program Winner, 1999
  • NACADA Outstanding Institutional Advising Program Certificate of Merit, 1991
  • NACADA Outstanding Advising Publication Winner-Advisee Category, 1995
• Consultant on advising delivery systems to universities such as Mississippi State, Old Dominion, Wayne State, University of Louisiana at Monroe
• Quality Educational Plan Evaluator for SACS accreditation review of Southeastern Louisiana University, 2005
• Presenter at NACADA and other national association conferences, such as Freshman Year Experience and National Association of Advisors for Health Professions
• Advisory Board for Noel Levitz training video "Academic Advising for Student Success and Retention"
• UAB Campus Advising-Related Activities-
  • Director, Division of General Studies, University of Alabama at Birmingham, (1991-present) — administer the primary components within the division, including the advising unit serving over 3000 students each year with undeclared majors or intent to enter certain limited access programs, and the Pre Health Professions Advising Program.
  • Chairman, Committee on Academic Advising, 1990-present
  • Chairman, Advisor Training Committee, 2000-present
  • Student Affairs Vice Presidents' Council, 1990-present
  • Benevolent Fund Board of Directors, 2003-2005
  • Retention Council, 2002-present, and Retention Task Force, 1999
  • SACS Compliance Audit Team for Learning Resources 2003-2004
  • Administrative Advisor-Alpha Epsilon Delta, 1995-present; Alpha Lambda Delta, 1990-present
  • Admission Appeals Committee, 1986-2002
  • NCAA Campus Compliance Committee,1993-2000
  • Chairman, Strategic Planning-Advising Committee, 1997
  • Strategic Planning Committee on Student Retention, 1995-1997
  • UAB Policies and Procedures Committee, 1994-1996

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 NACADA continues to provide greater benefits to our membership and to establish a more prominent position of influence in higher education, the work of the Council is vital to the association's success in achieving its mission. The Vice President's role as liaison between the Board and the Council must be one of support for the Council through strong communication skills and the ability to develop collaborative relationships with a wide variety of people from different environments. My 19 years of participation in NACADA have given me a perspective of the growth and diversity that must be fully incorporated into our future developments. My past and present experience on the NACADA Board has provided me with the understanding of our well established values and the vision for our future. My campus experiences in advising administration, strategic planning and accreditation have equipped me with the leadership skills to serve in this capacity.  

If elected, my goals are to

1. ensure clear and consistent communication of issues, priorities and plans between the Board and the Council.
2. ensure the inclusiveness of all segments of the membership as the strategic plan continues to be shaped and implemented.
3. encourage members' continued efforts in research and publications in order to highlight the insights that will support the needs of our profession in current climate of higher education.
4. encourage well developed initiatives that move NACADA into a more prominent position of influence in the higher education environment.

• 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? 

I am particularly enthusiastic about  goals and initiatives that provide greater opportunities for quality professional development and that relate the issues in higher education today to our profession. I believe we must simultaneously support initiatives that enhance and strengthen the visibility and credibility of the organization in the broader contexts of higher education. In the role of Vice President, I can bring my understanding of the values and vision of NACADA from my work at the state, regional and national levels, an appreciation for the expectations and contributions of our richly diverse membership and my insight on the impact this association can have on our campuses.

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

Over my 19 years in advising NACADA has played a vital role in my own professional development and has been a significant resource to my campus. I consider it a great honor to be nominated and to be given the opportunity to make a contribution to the organization that has contributed so much to me.

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

I am honored to be nominated and, while many challenges lie ahead of us, I will serve with pride to make a contribution to this organization and its future.