Karen Thurmond
	University of Memphis Memphis, TN
	Platform Statement: Highlight the goals you accomplished and the work you did while serving as a Unit Chair within this Division.

Regions have become the heart and soul of NACADA. Each year 50% of new members come from attendance at regional conferences. The support we give these NACADA organizations is predictive of the health of the entire organization. I would like to continue the good work being done in the regional division by:

1. Setting ambitious goals for diversity which tap the unique creativity of each region without imposing unreasonable financial constraints
2. Solidifying organizational principles in the regions such that leadership is developed and continuity is ensured.

What do you believe are the Division's most important goals and initiatives in meeting the strategic plan for both the Division and the Association?  How do you feel you can be of benefit to the NACADA Council in meeting the Association's strategic plan and initiatives?

Regional leaders are in a unique position. They can understand the needs of the academic advisors in their region, they can react more fluidly to those needs, and they are a conduit to the national organization of needs, talents, and unique opportunities in the region. Any worthwhile strategic plan has to take this type of information into account when objectives are set. People on the front lines can respond to strategic goals which resonate with their unique position. NACADA's strategic plan has been developed with the assumption that regions will carry some of the responsibility. The plan has to be interpreted through the lens of those needs, talents, and opportunities which regions bring. In light of this, I believe that the strategic plan provides opportunities for regions that are appropriate to their needs, talents, and potential opportunities:

1. Diversity (as subscribed in the strategic plan) is a regional goal as well as a national goal. Regions can respond to this organizational strategy when it is understood as an opportunity to grow leadership in the region.
2. Professional development (as subscribed in the strategic plan) should be the one unmovable goal of every region. The many academic advisors who will never have the resources to attend an annual conference, or to buy a webinar series, or to come to an institute or seminar, can benefit from the types of opportunities that regions are in a position to provide annually.

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

Frankly, I am indebted to my nominator for the opportunity to run for this leadership position. It was not my thought to run, but someone thought I should. Thanks, anonymous nominator. As I thought about it, I realized that its been a pleasure to serve as region chair these last two years. I have been able to learn more about NACADA and more about academic advising by being a part of the regional division. Some of what I have experienced has frustrated me. Some of what I have experienced has delighted me. I am not much of a bureacrat, but I have learned a lot from watching the stretch and pull of the NACADA bureacracy. I think there might be a place for me to serve in that stretch and pull. Though I am impatient with the pace, I am committed to the goals of NACADA.

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. 

Past Involvement in NACADA:

Years in NACADA: 11 years

National Offices Held and Accomplishments Achieved While in Office:

• Region 3 Chair, 2005-2007 – inherited a tradition of excellent leadership in the region. Worked with great state liaisons who conducted state meetings in every state in region, established Research Coordinator position on steering committee.
• Attended Region 3 conferences, 2000 - 2007

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

• Chaired 2001 Regional Conference in Memphis, TN
• 2006 Region 3 Conference proposal selection committee
• Served on Region 3 Steering Committee as Communication Coordinator, 2004-2006
• Served on Region 3 Steering Committee as Webmaster, 2002-2004
• Presented at regional conferences in 2000, 2001, 2005, 2006

Committee/Task Force/Advisory Board Activities and Accomplishments:

• Member, NACADA Emerging Leaders Development Team, 2007-2009
• Chair, NACADA Webinar Advisory Board, 2007-2009

Commission/Interest Group Activities and Accomplishments:

• Panel Presentation for Advising Transfer Students Commission, Annual Conference 2005
• Current member — Advising Administration Commission, Technology in Advising Commission, Advisor Training & Development Commission, Assessment of Advising Commission

Other:

• Faculty, NACADA Academic Advising Administrator’s Institute, San Diego, CA, 2008
• Presented at annual conferences in 2005, 2006, 2007
• Attended NACADA Faculty Advising Seminar, Burlington, VT 2007
• Attended 2005 NACADA Administrators' Institute and Assessment of Advising Institute
• Wrote book review for NACADA Journal, 2005
• Wrote white paper on “Transfer Shock” for NACADA Clearinghouse of Academic Advising Resources

• Wrote update (with Marsha Miller) to NACADA History for NACADA Clearinghouse of Academic Advising Resources
• Activities and Honors at [home institution]:
  • Current Member, campus Retention Committee
  • Convener, Provost’s Advisory Council on Academic Advising
  • Convener, Advisor Academic Advising Network
  • Member, Selection committee for Academic Advising Award
  • Member, First Year Experience Committee
  • Taught undergraduate courses, (2004-2006) in humanities and first year experience
  • Completed coursework for the EdD in Higher Education Administration; Spring 2007; Dissertation in progress.