Art Farlowe
	University of South Carolina Columbia, SC
	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 region 3 since starting my first professional advising position in 2000. As a member I attended region 3 conferences and facilitated session presentations at many regional conferences. In 2006 I took the plunge and volunteered to serve as chair of the 2008 region 3 conference in Columbia, SC. This involvement placed me on the region steering committee in 2007-09. Serving as conference chair was one of the most fulfilling professional experiences I have had! The Columbia conference was the largest region 3 conference ever. Our group did a great job of involving members from throughout the region. I believe I showed my genuine commitment to our members and the region through the 2008 regional conference.

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 one of our most important goals is to get the "rank and file" members involved in the region. This can be achieved by encouraging more state meetings and state leadership development. I have seen this in my home state of South Carolina. In 2006 when we started planning the 2008 regional conference, South Carolina had less than 50 attendees at the Nashville regional conference. By communicating with members,and non-members throughout the state in 2007 we increased our SC attendance at the Asheville conference. At the 2008 conference South Carolina had over 100 people participate. This was also achieved by a large number of people from throughout the state deciding to get involved to create a state NACADA. In 2007, over 100 South Carolinians attended the first state wide meeting to be held in nearly a decade. This fall, South Carolina will hold a 2nd annual statewide meeting. By developing state wide networks we can make the region even better. Once a member takes on a leadership role in their home state they need to be mentored and encouraged to take the next step to a regional leadership role.

A second goal is to get more graduate students involved in our region. Our region is home to many excellent programs in Higher Education and Student Affairs. We need to do more to train, develop and mentor the next generation of academic advisors. Again, this needs to start at the grassroots level. The region needs to offer more programs and services for this group.

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

Working on the 2008 conference is the event that spurred my interest in running for this position. Like most members, I attended the conferences in the past. I even did presentations. But, I never thought I could break into a leadership role in the organization. I always assumed that was for someone more experienced or at a higher level than me. Serving as chair of the conference committee taught me that I had some skills that I could use to make region 3 even better. I believe I have the ability to see the pearl in any situation or person. Every member of our region has something they do better than anyone else. My strength is in seeing that pearl and then helping that person develop their strength. I believe we had one of the best regions in NACADA. Our members are friendly, knowledgeable and dedicated professionals. At the conference in Columbia I had attendees from outside the region tell me that they had the best experience at our regional conference. The main reason they gave was because of the people they met and the way region 3 members welcomed them. I would like to serve as region 3 chair to keep that tradition alive and to develop a new generation of regional leaders in that same mold.

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. 

Throughout my professional career I have not been one to seek out the limelight. I got into advising because I like working with students. As I have grown in my position I have wanted to get more involved in NACADA and campus organizations. My primary reason for seeking these positions is due to my excitement about what we do as advisors. I get excited when I am able to get other people involved in advising. I think what we do in our profession is the absolute best job on any college campus. It is my desire to spread that enthusiasm and get region 3 even more excited!

Past Involvement in NACADA:

Years in NACADA: 7 years

National Offices Held and Accomplishments Achieved While in Office:

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

• Region 3 Steering Committee
• Region 3 Conference Chair, 2008
• Session presenter, Region 3 Conference, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008

Committee/Task Force/Advisory Board Activities and Accomplishments:

• Member, National Membership Committee, 2008-2010

Commission/Interest Group Activities and Accomplishments:

• Member: Advising Student Athletes Commission, Probation/Dismissal/Reinstatement Issues Interest Group, Study Abroad Advising Interest Group, Large Universities Interest Group

Other:

• Co-Chair, USC Campus Advisor's Network, 2001-08
• Chair, USC Retention Cmte Academic Advising Sub Cmte, 2005-2007
• USC Ada B. Thomas Staff Advisor of the Year, 2005
• USC Freshman Advocate Award Finalist Honoree, 2008