Nancy Markee
	University of Nevada, Reno Reno, NV
	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?

Most of my involvement with academic advising has taken place on my home campus, first as a faculty advisor (initially with no knowledge of NACADA!) and more recently as the director of the Advising Center and campus coordinator of undergraduate advising. With limited resources a given, I have chosen to attend and, whenever possible, send my staff to national NACADA conferences as opposed to regional events which have often conflicted with our on-campus spring advising and registration events. I have also used my operating funds to subscribe to NACADA webinars, hosting them in a campus theater and inviting not only members of our campus advising community but also graduate students and those involved with advising at our local community college. This past summer UNLV sponsored our first ever state advising conference and I assisted by advertising the event in northern Nevada and attended along with my entire staff.

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 ?

Numerous colleges and universities in this region are experiencing severe budget cuts and campus administrators are in the position of having to make difficult decisions with respect to budget allocations. It is more important than ever that NACADA members and leaders communicate and assist one another, making available data and other resources necessary to educate campus leaders about the role academic advising can play in providing a quality undergraduate experience. In difficult economic times, attracting new members as well as retaining current members may become an increasing challenge. We must ensure that advisors continue to perceive membership in NACADA to have personal and professional value as well as better articulate and market the benefits of membership.

Additionally, institutional resources allocated for professional development and travel are likely to diminish thereby reducing the number of individuals able to attend state and regional events and conferences. Leadership of this region must provide encouragement and support to those individuals impacted by the current financial situation and search for alternative and less expensive ways to meet our professional needs. We might explore regional webinars and/or sub-region (ex. northern California and northern Nevada) drive-in conferences in lieu of or in addition to state gatherings and creatively utilize technology to further communication among members.

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

Over the course of my involvement with academic advising, I have been given the opportunity to attend multiple annual NACADA conferences (my first in 1997), two summer institutes (2000 and 2007), numerous NACADA webinars, and to enroll in and complete the NACADA "Academic Success and the Student-Athlete" on-line course. The NACADA web site and individuals in the national office have provided me with a wealth of information and support as I have transitioned from being a faculty advisor in an academic department to an academic advising administrator. It is now my turn to "pay it forward" and give something back to what I believe is one of the most outstanding professional organizations in the field of higher education.

Additionally, northern Nevada has not been well represented in the leadership of this region. If it is the desire of region 9 members, I am willing to assist in the planning and organizing of a regional conference in the Reno/Lake Tahoe area.

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. 

Nothing means more to me professionally than making a difference in the lives of students. I have received several awards and honors during the course of my career, and the one I most treasure is being selected as the Nevada System of Higher Education Regent's Advisor of the Year (2003). It is truly gratifying to be recognized for doing that which I love. I have a strong passion for what I do and would be honored to serve the membership of this region in a leadership capacity.

Past Involvement in NACADA:

Years in NACADA: 8 years

National Offices Held and Accomplishments Achieved While in Office:

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

• Attended and assisted in promoting the Nevada State Advising Conference, 2008

Committee/Task Force/Advisory Board Activities and Accomplishments:

• Region 9 representative, Membership Committee, 2007-present

Commission/Interest Group Activities and Accomplishments:

•   Member, Advising Administration Commission Steering Committee, 2005-2006
  • Reviewed conference proposals
• Member: Advising Administration Commission, Undecided & Exploratory Students Commission, Assessment of Advising Commission

Other:

• Recent graduate (2008) University of Denver HERS Institute for Women in Higher Education Administration
• Co-author, annual conference presentation, 2003
• Attended 2005 and 2007 NACADA annual conferences
• Attended 2007 NACADA Summer Institute
• Received Faculty International Development Award for summer study in Costa Rica so as to better advise study abroad students, 2007
• Current Member, Advocacy Committee, Education Collaborative (K-16)
• Activities at University of Nevada, Reno:
  • Current Member, Athletics Advisory Committee
  • Current Member, Target 500 (recruiting/retention committee)
  • Chair, Academic Advising Advisory Board
  • UNR Phi Kappa Phi chapter secretary (2005-2008)
  • Member, external review team, Career Development (2005-2006)
  • Group leader, Freshman Reading Project (2007, 2008)
  • Chair, Academic Standards Advising Subcommittee (current)
  • Co-chair, Board of Directors, Great Basin Institute (current)
  • Member, Administrative Faculty Personnel Committee (2005-present)