Shannon Burton
	Michigan State University East Lansing, MI
	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 a member of the Theory and Philosophy of Advising Commission for the past year + as I have a strong commitment to furthering the knowledge base of our field. I have begun to publish surrounding the concept of campus internationalization and am working on research that revolves around an advisor's role in that process.

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 feel that one of the most important goals and initiatives for this unit is assisting our colleagues in expanding their knowledge base surrounding the theories that support our practice, so that we may become better advocates for our students, ourselves and our field.

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

I am interested in serving in this leadership position as I have a commitment to the core values of NACADA and want to assist others in developing their own philosophy of advising. I feel that given my background in leadership in various organizations that I may contribute to this by providing direction, setting goals, and building a strategic plan for the commission.

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. 

Since my years as an undergraduate, I have always had a strong desire to assist others in furthering their own educational experiences. I had many opportunities to expand my horizons as a student. Through these out-of-class experiences and others, my thirst for international experiences and programs grew and my desire to help others develop globally, academically and professionally grew. I have also furthered these interests by pursuing a M.A. in Student Affairs Administration and a PhD in Higher, Adult and Lifelong Education through Michigan State University along with a graduate certification in Academic Advising through Kansas State University. I feel that my background in foreign languages, study abroad, admissions, research, theory and academic advising would make a valuable contribution to this position as NACADA continues to expand its role internationally.

Past Involvement in NACADA:

Years in NACADA: 7 years 

National Offices Held and Accomplishments Achieved while in office:

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

• Planning Committee, 2008 NACADA Region V Conference (2007 - 2008)

• MIACADA - Michigan Academic Advising Association
  • President, Executive Board (October 2008 - present)
  • President-Elect, Executive Board (October 2007 - October 2008)
  • Member-at-Large, Executive Board (October 2006 - October 2007)

Committee/Task Force/Advisory Board Activities and Accomplishments:

Commission/Interest Group Activities and Accomplishments:

• Member: Theory & Philosophy of Advising Commission, ESL & International Student Advising Commission, Peer Advising & Mentoring Commission, Study Abroad Advising Interest Group

Other:

• Faculty and Professional Women's Association at Michigan State University
  • Past-President (2008 - present)
  • President (2007 - 2008)
  • President Elect (2006 - 2007)
  • Vice President of Membership (2005 - present)

• Alpha Sigma Tau National Sorority, Birmingham, AL
  • National Academics Coordinator (2004 - present)
  • Vice President, West Michigan Alumni Association (2006 - present)
  • Volunteer for collegiate chapter expansion (2001 - present)