Terry Musser
	Penn State University University Park, PA
	Platform Statement: Highlight the goals you accomplished and the work you did while serving as a Unit Chair or Division Representative. In addition, highlight your involvement in all areas of the Association, demonstrating your experiences that make you qualified to serve in this position on the NACADA Board of Directors.

While serving as a Region Chair for two terms, it became obvious that the Association was experiencing growing pains as the membership was increasing rapidly. I served on the Reorganization Task Force that provided the initial recommendation for making NACADA a more "grass roots" organization. I was fortunate then to be elected to the first Council as Regional Division Chair. In this role, I initiated the standardization of the governance structure at the regional level. Each region was organized differently when I started my term, and my co-chair and I worked to have all regions structured with steering committees. Probably the initiative I am most proud of is my work to develop the new Emerging Leaders Program. I currently serve as a mentor for that program. I recently published an article for the Clearinghouse on Instant Messaging and advising and I continue to research and present on theory and philosophy in advising.

What do you believe are the most important goals and initiatives for the Association in meeting its strategic plan and what do you feel you can contribute to this position in meeting these goals and initiatives?

The strategic plan is necessary to help the Association move forward and continue to be a leader in the field of academic advising. All members and leaders must be familiar with the strategic plan so we are all working toward the same goals and are strategic in our financial decisions. I believe the most important goals for the Association for the coming years are to 1)continue to provide the highest quality professional development opportunities to the members; 2) continue to find ways to insure our sound financial security; 3) reach out to partner organizations to provide programming and services that reach a broader audience; and 4) focus on engaging members from underrepresented groups in the leadership; 5)foster and improve our research agenda; and 6)continue to develop relationships with international professionals and expand our mission globally.

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

My work on the Council was very rewarding and I felt I was making a great contribution to the Association. As Vice President, I will once again be engaged in the initiatives of the Council. I believe that serving as Vice President will allow me to help move the Association forward in diversity issues and in its research agenda.

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. 

My years of leadership experience in NACADA have given me a well-rounded background in all aspects of the work of the Association. I have been engaged at all levels and in a variety of roles and I now feel that serving as Vice President will be the pinnacle of my desire to give back to this great organization.

Past Involvement in NACADA:

Years in NACADA: 16 years

National Offices Held and Accomplishments Achieved While in Office:

• Board of Directors, 2006-2009 — By-laws Task Force member; Policies Sub-committee member
• Regional Division Representative and NACADA Council member, 2002-2004 — solidified regional governance structure for all regions; established the initial goals for the Council
• Mid-Atlantic Region 2 Chair, 1998-2002 — solidified regional governance structure

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

• Presenter at 13 regional conferences

Committee/Task Force/Advisory Board Activities and Accomplishments:

• Diversity Committee member — chaired the sub-committee to develop the Emerging Leaders Program
• Reorganization Task Force member, 2000
• Awards Selection Committee member

Commission/Interest Group Activities and Accomplishments:

• Current member — Technology in Advising Commission, Undecided & Exploratory Students Commission, Theory and Philosophy of Advising Commission
• Sponsored presentation by the Theory and Philosophy of Advising Commission

Other:

• Annual conference presenter, 13 years