John Nilsson
	University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT
	Platform Statement: Highlight your previous involvement within this unit that will help you in leading this unit.  What roles have you played within this particular unit as a member thus far?

I have been an active member of Region 10 since joining NACADA in 2003. I have presented at either a state, regional, or national conference each year since then, and have taken the opportunity to meet many advisors across the state and region in region meetings and other events.

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? 

The most important thing to recognize about Region 10 is that we have a unique combination of advising strength on our campuses and great geographical distance between them. We will need to overcome these distances between our campuses by focusing on improving the quality of our conferences, and enhancing accessibility to them for even the newest advisors. We will also need to seriously consider ways to collaborate with under-served advisor populations, especially the faculty advisors in our region, through publicizing and encouraging the adoption of best practice models which reward them for quality advising.

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

As I have participated in NACADA’s events, from the summer institute to the conferences to publishing in the Journal, I have been impressed with the high quality officers who keep the organization moving forward. Seeking office is one way to say thank you to those who have served our region so willingly in the past and to carry on their great work.

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. 

I am committed to keeping the Rocky Mountain Region in the forefront of academic advising and to raising our profile within the national organization through cultivating a new generation of advisor-leaders.

Past Involvement in NACADA:

Years in NACADA: 5 years

National Offices Held and Accomplishments Achieved While in Office:

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

• Presented at Utah Advising and Orientation Association conferences, 2005-2007
• Presented at Region 10 conference in 2004.

Committee/Task Force/Advisory Board Activities and Accomplishments:

Commission/Interest Group Activities and Accomplishments:

• Current member — Advising Adult Learners Commission, Technology in Advising Commission, Health Professions Advising Interest Group, Large Universities Interest Group

Other:

• Summer Institute Scholarship Recipient, 2006
• Book review of Educating Lawyers: Preparation for the Profession of Law, published in NACADA Journal, Fall 2007.
• Article: “Hot Summer, Cool Institute” published in Academic Advising Today, March 2007.
• Presented at 2005 national NACADA conference: “Prelaw Basics for All Advisors” with Amy Urbanek and Julie Givans.
• Volunteer at October 2006 NACADA National Conference.
• Activities and Honors at the University of Utah:
  • Campus Advising Conference Planning Committee member, 2007
  • Current Member, University Academic Advising Committee
  • Member of university-wide committee to approve student-designed majors, 2006-present