Sandra Waters, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA

Past Involvement in NACADA:

Years in NACADA: 14 years

National Offices Held and Accomplishments Achieved While in Office:

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

• Member, Region 2 Conference Committee/proposal selection committee, 2006
• Member, Region 2 Steering Committee, 2005-present
• Chair, Region 2 Conference Committee, 2005
• Member, Region 2 Conference Committee, 1993 — assisted chair with program coordination
• Chair, Virginia Drive-In Conference, 2002 — hosted conference, which included an internationally video-streamed presentation on Learning Styles and advising
• Presented at regional conferences, 1994 and 1995

Committee/Task Force/Advisory Board Activities and Accomplishments:

Commission/Interest Group Activities and Accomplishments:

• Current member: Advising Administration Commission, Technology in Advising Commission
• Current member: Probation, Dismissal, and Reinstatement Issues Interest Group — founding member, established listserve through national office.

Other:

• Presented at national conferences in 1998, 1999, 2002, 2005
• NACADA Outstanding Advisor Publication Certificate of Merit, 2002
• Attended 2005 NACADA Administrator's Institute and Assessment of Advising Institute, St. Pete's Beach, FL
• Attended 2004 NACADA Summer Institute, Portsmouth, VA
• Activities and Honors at Old Dominion University:
  • Chair, University Advising Coordinator's Committee
• Association of University Administrators' Administrator of the Year, 2004
• President, Association of University Administrators, 2002-2003
• ODU Rep to the Virginia State Committee on Transfer,2004-present
• Advisor, ODU chapter of the Tau Sigma National Honor Society for transfer students, 2005
• ODU Credit Union Board of Directors, 1988-1996, secretary, 1990-1992
• Virginia Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (VACRAO), Auditing Committee, 1987-1990, chair, 1989-1990

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? 

My most recent involvement with the Region 2 Steering Committee has been in chairing the 2005 regional conference in Virginia Beach, VA. With this assignment came the opportunity to meet with the entire committee and get to know some very dedicated people representing the region.  The members are committed to furthering the mission of NACADA within the region by promoting the profession of academic advising and our contribution to the teaching of students in higher education. Through my work on the conference, I also learned the guidelines required as an administrator of a program which folds nicely into those duties required of the chair for the 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 one of the most important goals of the unit and the Association is to promote the professionalism of its members within higher education. Initiatives that demonstrate what a key part the academic advising profession is on our university, college, and community college campuses are key. These initiatives include the expansion of the membership, the awards program, use of the listserve, and improvements in the national, regional, and state conferences. Developing a speakers bureau within the region that connects regional experts with institutions needing guidance with advising initiatives on other campuses is something I'd like to see.

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

I am interested in continuing the fine work that Suzanne Trump, the current chair, has started.  Her enthusiasm is contagious.  The experiences I had from hosting the regional conference were terrific and I enjoy working with talented people who have the same philosophy towards academic advising that I do.  My belief in the servant-leadership paradigm will offer opportunities for others to become involved in the Association, especially those who have untapped talents and just need a little bit of encouragement to contribute.

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

During the past 14 years as a member of NACADA, I have taken away a lot of great ideas and done a small part to bring ideas to others.  I would like to give back to the Association, and serving as chair is a way to do this. Using Robert K. Greenleaf's 10 characteristics of a good servant-leader (listening, empathy, healing, awareness, persuasion, conceptualization, foresight, stewardship, commitment to the growth of people, and building community), I believe that I have the skills required of the chair position.  I have grown up at Old Dominion University, having served in a wide range of positions from a departmental advisor to advising administration.  My experiences have fine-tuned my servant-leadership abilities.  I look forward to serving the membership.