Cornelius Gilbert
	University of Wisconsin Madison, WI
	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 sat on the commission for roughly one year. Recognizing potential through productivity, NACADA has done so with my selection to the Emerging Leaders Program. Annually, NACADA selects 10 people and 10 mentors for a two-year term in which “the leaders and mentors will work closely on connecting the leaders to the areas of the association they are interested in and in developing a plan for continued involvement and growth”

Recognized potential through my productivity, as illustrated by my research being cited by Leigh Cunningham on NACADA’s FOUNDATIONS OF ACADEMIC ADVISING CD SERIES: UNDERSTANDING CULTURAL IDENTITY AND WORLDVIEW DEVELOPMENT, has led the way for my nomination by a member of the Multicultural Concerns Commission Proposal Committee members for the position of Unit Chair of the Multicultural Concerns Commission.

Moreover, having NACADA President, Jenny L. Bloom, as assigned as my official NACADA mentor (through the Emerging Leaders Program)coupled with my ambition and proven potential, I am ready to take on the challenges being Unit Chair will present. Thank you.

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? 

Although it is critically obvious for this unit to promote the involvement of diverse populations in the Association, it is to my mind, without question, that the most important objective for the Multicultural Concerns Commission is to address the academic advising needs of higher education.

This maybe surprising for some, but when analyzed, focusing solely on the promotion of diverse communities will not necessarily strengthen academic advising. Rather it is my philosophy that if the Multicultural Concerns Commission works toward addressing the academic advising needs of higher education, but with a multicultural twist (or slant), the unit will have more of an impact on strengthening advising.

I find this philosophy better suited for fully meeting goals because when multicultural concerns are placed within the overall framework of advising in higher education, a better opportunity for diverse concerns is permitted to not only be expressed, but its importance and impact as it relates to the broader context can be exemplified.

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

For one, serving as chair of the Multicultural Concerns Commission is an area I am passionate about. The energy exist because not only does the concerns relate to me directly on a personal level, for I live out the commissions concerns on a daily basis, but also because it relates to me professionally.

This is an opportunity for me to incorporate what is very personal for many, but yet important in a broader context, to give voice to diverse concerns systematically to create positive change.

Blessed with the privilege to be one of ten NACADA Emerging Leaders, is an influence to serve in this leadership position to create the systematic change that NACADA is seeking to accomplish as notated at the 2007 National Convention. It was after attending the 2007 National Convention, I spoke with a NACADA colleague and she informed me that she thought I would be good at this position of Chair of the Multicultural Concerns Commission. She stated that she was familiar with my publications and work with NACADA and thought I would not only be good at the position, but would make lasting contributions.

Having been selected as one of NACADA’s Emerging Leaders, is great preparation for becoming the next Chair. Moreover, NACADA has provided me with much inspiration and professional development. I have to learn that this position is not about fulfilling roles, but is about serving. I have plenty of respect and love for NACADA, I value NACADA because the organization (and its people) has provided me with the inspiration and professional development that I have needed. This is an opportunity for me to give back to the organization.

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. 

I have been extremely blessed in my career within higher education. Out of a national competition, NACADA recognized my hard work, and selected me as one of their ten Emerging Leaders within the profession of Academic Advising. As a result, NACADA paired me with an excellent mentor in NACADA President Jenny L. Bloom.

I am an Academic Advisor at the University of Wisconsin (main campus located in Madison, Wisconsin). I work in the Cross College Advising Service (CCAS). CCAS primarily services the undecided undergraduate populace. I have over six years of experience as an Advisor. Working in such an inclusive organization that welcomes undergraduates in their academic exploration has allowed me to interface with an extremely wide array of students and their experiences/backgrounds.

I have also worked with faculty and other university campus constitutes. As well as developed and coordinated a program for first year students of color The Start of Your Success: Providing Building Blocks for Achievement.

I would be not only be grateful the privilege to sever NACADA as Chair of Multicultural Concerns, but honored. Thank you for your consideration of my candidacy.

Past Involvement in NACADA:

Years in NACADA: 4 years

National Offices Held and Accomplishments Achieved While in Office:

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

• Co-Presenter, Wisconsin Academic Advising Association (WACADA) State Conference in Sheboygan, Wisconsin (September 2005) — "The Academic Advisor in the Mirror: Improving Multicultural Competence through Self-Awareness" — Presenters: Gilbert, Cornelius K. & Hird, Jeffrey S.
• Presenter, NACADA Region 5 Conference in Madison, Wisconsin (March 2003) — "The Problem Is Still Here: Performing Academic Advising Across the Color Line"

Committee/Task Force/Advisory Board Activities and Accomplishments:

Commission/Interest Group Activities and Accomplishments:

• Current member — Multicultural Concerns Commission, Advising Administration Commission, Small Colleges & Universities Commission, Undecided & Exploratory Students Commission

Other:

• Participant, NACADA Emerging Leaders Program, 2007-current
• Executive Committee Member, University of Wisconsin-Madison's Madison Academic Advising Association
• Co-Presenter, NACADA National Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana (October 2006) — Where Rhetoric Meets Reality: “Diversity” in Advising Practice" — Presenters: Donald Woolston, Adrienne Thunder, Cornelius Gilbert, Miguel Rosales
• Co-Presenter, Cross College Advising Service Career Exploration Workshop — Presenters: Baumer, Erica S. & Gilbert, Cornelius K.
• Presenter, NACADA National Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada (October 2005) — It Ain’t Where Ya From Itz Where Ya At: Putting the Rhythm and the Rhyme of Hip-Hop in the Reason of Academic Advising
• Co-Presenter, Student Personal Association (SPA) Demystifying Assessment of Student Services Workshop in Madison, Wisconsin (December 2002) — "Knowing Who You Are Serving: Gathering Basic Information About Student Contacts", Dec. 2002 — Presenters: Walsh, Timothy A.; Maki, Diana; Gilbert, Cornelius K.