Beth Higgins
	University of Southern Maine Portland, ME
	Platform Statement: Highlight the goals you accomplished and the work you did while serving as a Unit Chair or Division Representative. In addition, highlight your involvement in all areas of the Association, demonstrating your experiences that make you qualified to serve in this position on the NACADA Board of Directors.

The Commission for Undeclared and Exploratory Students chair experience increased my awareness of the needs of these students and the professionals that advise them. In my role I was able to lead a group of motivated CUES members to revamp the commission web site to better serve the membership needs. I also had the opportunity to represent CUES as a panelist for a NPR segment called "Major Impact." The membership also supported the need to discover more data on the " major changer" population. It was a very interesting and eye opening experience to assist in this research. The chair and advisory board positions also made me aware of NACADA's policies, procedures, organizational structure and dedication to the advancement of academic advising.

Currently I am a faculty member for the Assessment Institute. Helping to move the assessment of academic advising agenda forward is a rewarding experience. Assessment allows us all to have the opportunity to focus on learning and growth of our students, institution and ourselves.

Being involved as a presenter for national and regional conferences has given me the opportunity to give back to the academic advising profession while providing me experiences to expand professionally.

What do you believe are the most important goals and initiatives for the Association in meeting its strategic plan and what do you feel you can contribute to this position in meeting these goals and initiatives?

Strategic Goal 1, 1-A and 1-C: Identify, prioritize, and address critical issues facing academic advising. Provide comprehensive professional development opportunities. Understanding and acting upon critical academic advising issues offers opportunities for advising professionals to learn and create action locally, regionally and nationally. Professional development keeps the individual and profession current and responsive. I am an active participant in achieving these goals at my institution and through regional and national activities.

Strategic Goal 3, 3-A: Identify and develop strategies for fostering collaboration and education among various advising external constituencies both nationally and internationally. Higher Education is moving into a very challenging economic time. Opportunities to foster collaboration will be key to professional organizations such as NACADA as they play critical roles in the advancement of their professions. At my own institution I use a collaborative approach at the departmental and institutional levels to achieve goals and objectives. I believe that this approach allows institutions and individuals to move forward while developing solid stakeholder relationships.

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

Being elected to the NACADA Board is a way that I can give back to an organization that has provided me and my institution with a great deal of insight into the world of academic advising. This knowledge and experience has allowed my colleagues, myself, and my institution to make a difference in the lives of students. I enjoy working with students on an individual basis but also understand the importance and necessity of leadership positions. Both are essential to a successful organization. My hope is to bring my skills, knowledge and energy to the NACADA Board to help students, colleagues and the academic advising profession move forward.

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.

Although the majority of my 20-year career in higher education has been in academic advising, I also have worked in student development and student financial aid. My current position also has supervisory responsibility for learning assistance and academic support for students with disabilities. I also have departmental responsibility for the academic advising of undeclared and at-risk students as well as veteran services, orientation, peer advising, high-school learners and degree audit.

Past Involvement in NACADA:

Years in NACADA: 12 years

National Offices Held and Accomplishments Achieved While in Office:

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

Committee/Task Force/Advisory Board Activities and Accomplishments:

Commission/Interest Group Activities and Accomplishments:

Other: