John Mortensen, Utah State University, Logan, UT

Past Involvement in NACADA:

Years in NACADA:  9 years

National Offices Held and Accomplishments Achieved While in Office:

• NACADA Council Member, 2002-2005
• Administrative Division Representative, 2002-2005
• Chair, National Conference, Salt Lake City, 2002

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

• Member, Region 10 Conference Planning Committee, 1998-1999, 2003-2004

Committee/Task Force/Advisory Board Activities and Accomplishments:

• Member, Awards Selection Committee for Pacesetter, Service to NACADA, and Virginia Gordon Awards, 2003-2005
• Member, National Conference Advisory Board, 2000-2005

Commission/Interest Group Activities and Accomplishments:

• Member, Steering Committee, Advising Administration Commission, 2005
• Current member: Advising Administration Commission, Advisor Training and Development Commission, Commission on Undecided and Exploratory Students, Technology in Advising Commission

Other:

• Presenter, NACADA National Conference, 2005
• Participant, NACADA Assessment of Advising Institute, 2004 & 2005
• Participant, NACADA Advising Administrators' Institute, 2003 & 2004
• Participant, NACADA Summer Institute, 1998
• Participant, several NACADA national and regional conferences
• Utah Advising & Orientation Association (UAOA) activities:
  • Presenter, UAOA Conference, 2005
  • Planning Committee, UAOA, 1998-2005
  • President, UAOA, 2000-2001
• Utah State University (USU) activities and honors:
  • Director of University Advising & Transfer Services, 1998-present
  • Chair, Assessment of Academic Advising (AAA) Committee, 2005
  • Chair, Advising Coordinating Committee (ACC), 1998-present
  • Chair, New Student Orientation Advisory Committee, 1998-present
  • Chair, USU General Catalog Coordinating Committee, 1998-present
  • Chair, First Year Experience (FYE) Committee, 2002-2003
  • Instructor, University Connections Course, 2000-2004
  • Assistant to the Vice President for Student Services, 1994-1998
  • Chair, Professional Advancement Committee, 1992-1994
  • Outstanding Achievement Award, USU Student Services, 1992
  • Assistant Director, Career Services, 1989-1994
  • Man of the Year, 1987
• Elected Member at Large, Northwest Association of Student Affairs Professionals (NWASAP), 1995-1997
• Awarded Region V Outstanding New Professional, National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), 1995
• Time and Space Chair, National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) National Conference, 1994-1995
• Program Committee, Rocky Mountain College Placement Association (RMCPA), 1993-1994

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? 

Having served on two regional conference planning committees and also serving as chair of the 2002 national conference, I have worked with many colleagues throughout the region.  Having served on the NACADA Council for the past three years, I have participated in meetings where the Regional Division Representatives have shared the successes and concerns they have at the regional level.  I have established a network of contacts which I would counsel with to implement successful programs and processes in Region 10 that are currently being used in other regions.

• 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?  

1. COMMUNICATION!  Maintain regular contact with region members to inform them of opportunities provided through NACADA.
2. Use the regional conference as a means to identify the academic advising needs of region members.
3. Encourage and facilitate collaboration of drive-in activities.
4. Encourage members to apply for research awards, research grants, and scholarships.
5. Encourage members to nominate colleagues for various NACADA awards.
6. Encourage campus to link advising websites to the NACADA website.
7. Collaborate with other professional organizations within the region.
8. Reach out and extend an invitation to institutions with no NACADA representation to join and participate in NACADA activities.
9. Promote diversity through regional activities.
10. Identify Native American institutions and invite, encourage, and support involvement.

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

Having served on the NACADA Council, I am very aware of the issues facing NACADA and would like to be proactive in representing the needs of our region at the national level. I have absolutely loved my involvement with NACADA and would love the opportunity to continue to network with its members and leaders.

Being familiar with the NACADA structure, I feel that the members of Region 10 are missing out on many opportunities. Over the past few years, our region has been well represented on the NACADA Board of Directors and on the NACADA Council.  However, there are many other areas within NACADA in which there is little or no representation from our region.  I chose to accept the nomination for Region Chair because it is the one area where I feel I can have the greatest impact on my colleagues and within NACADA.

I have had nothing but positive experiences in my previous leadership positions within NACADA and would love to continue to have the opportunity to serve.

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

As Region Chair, I would strive to enhance the communication to NACADA members within our region.  This includes using the NACADA listserv to inform region members of: 1) opportunities for involvement; 2) monies available through scholarships, grants, and research awards;
3) achievements and awards received by our constituents; and 4) best practices on hot topics.  I will also strive to make Region 10 much more visible at the national level by taking advantage of opportunities to promote the region through the NACADA newsletter.

I would be honored to represent you has the Region 10 Chair.