I've been involved with the High Achieving group for the last year or so and have been active in the dialogue over the meaning of a high achieving student versus an Honors student.  While we continue to debate the meaning of high achieving, I believe we've made progress in clarifying for ourselves our student population and how we can better serve them.  The continued dialogue will help us to better refine our purpose and hence better serve our students.

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?

First we must come to an agreement about the differences and similarities between high achieving students and Honors students.  Second, we must strongly encourage our members to conduct research with high achieving students, present best practices, write theoretical papers, etc. Third, we should increase our connections with sister institutions such as NCHC and increase collaborative presentations.

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

As a graduate of the first class of the Emerging Leader Program, I feel it is my duty to give back to the organization.  I have been very blessed to have such strong support from so many people at NACADA.  I'm interested in giving back and being a part of that support network for others.

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: 7 years

National Offices Held and Accomplishments Achieved While in Office:

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

• Attendee, Region 4 Conferences, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006

Committee/Task Force/Advisory Board Activities and Accomplishments:

• Chair, 2010 NACADA Annual Conference Program Committee, Orlando, FL
• Member, Advisor Training Video Advisory Board, 2008-2010
• Member, Webinar Advisory Board, 2007-2009
• Faculty Member, 2009 Academic Advising Summer Institute, New Orleans, LA

Commission/Interest Group Activities and Accomplishments:

• Current Member: Advising High Achieving Students Commission, Advisor Training & Development Commission, Advising Administration Commission, Large Universities Interest Group

Other:

• Graduate of first class of NACADA Emerging Leaders Program participants, 2007-2009
• Attendee, NACADA Annual Conferences, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005