Phil Christman, Malone College, Canton, OH

Past Involvement in NACADA:

Years in NACADA: 13 years
Regional Activities/Offices Held, including accomplishments achieved while in office: Represented the National Office and Executive Board at two regional conferences (2001, 2002) as well as presented at both regional conferences.
National Offices Held and Accomplishments Achieved While in Office: Small Colleges & Universities Commission Chair-elect & Chair (1997-2000)-helped advance the cause of small college and university advising unit and provide support for solo operations; advanced cause of faculty advisors in NACADA alongside professional advisors within small college environment; created and currently monitor Small College & Universities Commission list serve; twice elected to one of five Commission Chair voting positions on National Board (1999, 2000).  Secretary (2000-2002)-recorded minutes for Executive Board, Mid-year and Fall Board meetings, and Business Meetings during critical transition to new Board structure.
Committee Activities and Accomplishments: Nominations & Election Committee (1993-2002)-helped
secure nominations for various regional and commission positions. Strategic Planning Committee (1998-1999)- part of original planning team leading to organizational restructuring implemented after Fall 2002 National Conference.  Teleconference Task Force (1999-2001); Organizational Structure Task Force (2000). National Awards Committee (2002)-reviewed and helped select outstanding publications (non-electronic). Academic Advising Administrator's Committee (2000-2002)-co-led highly successful Private Colleges & Universities Administrator Pre-conference workshops (2001, 2002) as well as pre-conference workshop on same topic at 2002 Regional Conference 2002.
Commission/Interest Group Activities and Accomplishments: Member, Advising Undecided &
Exploratory Students Commission (2000-2002). Member, Small Colleges & Universities Commission since 1994. Have presented concurrent sessions at National Conferences (1996-2002)-selected as Commission-sponsored session five of six years.
Other: Involved in OHAAA (State association)-attended all state meetings since organization was first formed (1997-2002); represented National Office (1998-2002), presenter (1998, 2002).

As advising moves into the 21st century, it is posed to assume a more prominent role in higher education.  Whether a professional advisor or faculty advisor, our impact on students is increasingly recognized as a critical component in what Dick Light has so aptly titled, "Making the Most of College." I was privileged to be part of the initial task force that led to the current restructuring of NACADA to position itself as the leader for theory, delivery, application, and advancement of academic advising to enhance student development, with a particular focus at the grassroots level.  NACADA is ready to move these goals forward and I welcome the opportunity to be a part of that movement.

I believe advising is teaching.  Whether instructing in the classroom, a professional office, or larger group advising setting, NACADA must continue to offer higher education training and professional opportunities for individual growth. As a board member, I believe we must be advocates for you, our constituency, to allow you to be an advocate for your students.