Kelly Austin, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL

Past Involvement in NACADA:

Years in NACADA: 1 year

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:

• Current member: Multicultural Concerns Commission, Assessment of Advising Commission, and Advisor Training and Development Commission
• Current member: First-Generation College Student Advising Interest Group

Other:

• NASPA State of Florida Steering Committee Newsletter, and New Professional and Graduate Student Chairperson
• Highly involved in the growth and advancement of Embry-Riddle's Student Academic Support Center and First Year Programs department.

Platform Statement:

• Highlight your involvement in this unit that will help you in leading this unit. What roles have you played in this unit thus far?

As a new member to NACADA this past year I have been thoroughly impressed with the professionalism, as well as the opportunities to further improve my advising skills. I have had held leadership roles within many other organizations that will enhance my ability to advance the mission of NACADA and our Region.

• 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 that the most important goal is to strengthen the ties to NACADA and build upon our already committed and involved membership. We must strengthen our ties and communication to the National organization.

I believe that we must continue to provide opportunities for members to network at the state, regional, and national conferences. As we improve our communication within the region, we will have the opportunity to share our knowledge and improve our capacity to advise undergraduate and graduate students.

We must continue to promote our regional members and recognize their successes. We must capitalize on any opportunity to further our field of academic advising.

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

I have had the opportunity to serve as an advisor for the past six years and have gained significantly from my professional affiliations and membership within organization such as NASPA, ACPA, ASJA, and NACADA. Through my involvement, I have had the opportunity to learn from my colleagues and I have had the opportunity to advance our profession.

My goal is to continue to strengthen our bonds as members and maintain our status as a premier region within NACADA. By doing so, we will each have the opportunity to learn from each other and gain from the experiences of others.

• Provide any additional comments or information regarding your past experiences and qualifications that relate to your candidacy for this leadership position.  

I have worked with students as an advisor in a number of capacities including student activities, academic advising, and as an instructor. My experiences include underwriting grants for academically under prepared students, assessing of advisement practices, and advisement of student leaders. My background in both higher education and business has afforded me the opportunity to practice many of the skills necessary to serve you as regional chair. I look forward to working with you in any capacity and I thank you for your consideration.