My involvement with this unit has been primarily as an observer and learner until now. I intently follow the discussion themes online and look for patterns in both the challenges and the generous contributions from those who post responses.

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 stated purpose of the Commission is "to provide a forum for sharing ideas and discussing common concerns."

Because "Advising Administration" may be viewed as both a noun (persons who administer advising programs) and a verb (the act of administering), I believe the members of this Commission have the expertise to more intentionally support the Mission and Goals of NACADA with action items.

In addition to sharing ideas and discussing concerns, I propose development of an Evidence Based Practice model for Advising Administration through the following:

1. Encouraging research and assessment of academic advising programs to demonstrate (quantitatively and qualitatively) the impact of advising on student persistence.
2. Documenting the many ways that academic advisors currently enhance student learning through collaborations with other academic units, community partnerships, and other stakeholders.
   

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

My interest in serving in this leadership position stems from the enjoyment I have found in working with academic advisors for close to 20 years. Through active involvement at the local, state, and regional levels of advising organizations I have discovered a wealth of opportunities to improve my own practice as an advising professional and to assist those new to the profession. This is another way to serve my colleagues and promote the value of the work we do for our students, institutions, and higher education in general.

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 have been a professional academic advisor since 1990 and have formally studied academic advising through graduate work at Arizona State University (M. Ed. in Higher & Adult Education - my applied project was studying university transfer centers on community college campuses; Ed. D. in Higher & Adult Education - my dissertation was on relationships between personality type and job satisfaction in professional academic advisors).

Additionally, I have participated in the NACADA Summer Institute, completed the advisor training series, and attended both the Administrators' and Assessment Institutes.

My 'dream job' was eliminated in 2008 due to budget shortfalls. When our expertise and the work we do are not valued, we become easy targets when the cuts are made.  While I am thankful that I have found another institution that values academic advising, I want to work toward ensuring that what happened to me does not happen to other professional academic advisors.

Past Involvement in NACADA:

Years in NACADA: 16 years

National Offices Held and Accomplishments Achieved While in Office:

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

• Texas Academic Advising Network (TexAAN) conference presenter - 2009
• Region 7 Conference presentation - 2009.
• Region 10 Steering Committee member, 2007-2008 - assisted with regional scholarships program.
  
• Region 10 Conference Committee (registration & hospitality), 2007
• New Mexico Academic Advising Association conference presenter - 2007
• Region 10 Conference presentations - 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007 (2 sessions), 1998, 1997, 1996.
  
• Arizona Academic Advising Association conference presentations - 2003 & 2005.
  

Committee/Task Force/Advisory Board Activities and Accomplishments:

• Member, Professional Development Committee, since 2007 - currently serving on Career Ladder Task Force

Commission/Interest Group Activities and Accomplishments:

• Current Member: Advising Administration Commission, Commission on Undecided and Exploratory Students, Advisor Training & Development Commission, Large Universities Interest Group 

Other:

• Served as Content Reviewer for "Academic Advising: A Comprehensive Handbook, Second Edition", 2007
  
• Presenter, 2009 NACADA Annual Conference, San Antonio, TX
• Texas A&M University activities:
  • Texas A&M University Advisors and Counselors Executive Council member since 2008
  • Texas A&M UAC Symposium presenter - 2009
    
• Arizona State University activities:
  • Arizona State University Best Practices in Academic Advising Symposium presenter - 2008
  • Arizona State University Council of Academic Advisors member, 1994-2008: Past President, Past Secretary (two terms), Past General Studies Council Representative (3 years); Chair of NACADA Awards Task Force (2006); Steering Committee member (10 years)
  • Arizona Career Counseling Association conference presenter - 2007
  • Arizona State University/Maricopa Community College District Career Development Institute planning committee member: 2005 - 2007
    
• International Order of the Rainbow for Girls: Past Mother Advisor (3 terms); Past Grand Deputy
  
• Sigma Tau Alpha Sorority: State Advisor in AZ (1999-2005); Alpha Sigma Chapter Advisor (1996-2005)