Susan Fread, Lehigh Carbon Community College, Schnecksville, PA

Past Involvement in NACADA:

Years in NACADA: 11 years

National Offices Held and Accomplishments Achieved While in Office:

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

• Member, Region 2 Steering Committee, 2003-present
• Chair, 2006 Region 2 Conference, Lancaster, PA
• Presenter, Regional Conferences -- 1999, 2002, 2005
• Member, 2003 Drive-In Conference Committee, Eastern Pennsylvania
• Member, 1999 Region 9 Conference Planning Committee, Los Angeles, CA

Committee/Task Force/Advisory Board Activities and Accomplishments:

• Member, National Conference Committee, Baltimore, MD, 2006-Present
• Member, Awards Oversight Committee, 2005-present
• Member, Awards Selection Committees, 2002-2005

Commission/Interest Group Activities and Accomplishments:

• Current Member — Advising Administration Commission, Two-Year Colleges Commission, Undecided & Exploratory Students Commission, Probation/Dismissal/Reinstatement Issues Interest Group

Other:

• Presenter, NACADA National Conferences, 2004, 2005, 2006
• Recipient, NACADA Outstanding Advising Administrator Award, 2002

Platform Statement:

• Highlight your previous involvement within this unit that will help you in leading this unit. What roles have you played within this particular unit as a member thus far?  

I have been a member of the Awards Committee since 2002. I read nomination packets for the Advising-Primary Role category for 3 years. During that time I participated in the decision to create the New Advisor Award category and set appropriate guidelines. Somewhat related to this, I assisted the Region 2 Steering Committee with the creation of a regional awards program based on the National program's guidelines and requirements. I have been a member of the Oversight Committee since 2005 and have enjoyed the administrative aspect of this group. It is important that we continually assess what we are doing and how we can improve the process.

• 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 believe it is important to increase the number of award submissions from "new" institutions. Every year there are nominations from a group of schools in multiple categories. While these individuals are certainly worthy of the recognition they receive, it is important that other institutions be encouraged to submit nominations. In my years reading packets, community colleges have been under represented, as are smaller, private institutions. This is one area where I believe we can strengthen our efforts.

Another area that we should continue to look at are the scholarship and research awards. I believe we can continue to increase our efforts to promote these awards in new and innovative ways.

Finally, I would like to work towards more region and state award programs. Recognition of excellence at various levels should continue to be developed.

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

I truly enjoy working with the NACADA Awards program. I believe that providing recognition of advising excellence is vital to the advancement of the profession from the individual level to the national level. I would like to continue my involvement with the program as we set new goals and work together to achieve them.

• Provide any additional comments or information (either personal or leadership-related) that you want potential voters to know about you that is not covered elsewhere in your platform information.