Bryant Hutson, University of North Carolina-Greensboro, Greensboro, NC

Past Involvement in NACADA:

Years in NACADA: 3 years

National Offices Held and Accomplishments Achieved While in Office:

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

• North Carolina State Representative to Region Three
• Presenter at state and regional conferences
• Initiated NACADA listserve for North Carolina NACADA members
• Formed steering committee for upcoming North Carolina state drive-in conference

Committee/Task Force/Advisory Board Activities and Accomplishments:

Commission/Interest Group Activities and Accomplishments:

• Current Member:  Multicultural Concerns Commission, Technology in Advising Commission, and Assessment of Advising Commission
• Current Member: Probation, Dismissal and Reinstatement Issues Interest Group

Other:

• Presenter at national NACADA conferences in 2003, 2004, 2005
• Currently involved in initiating Academic Advising Doctoral Student listserve.
• Co-authored article for Journal of College Student Retention: Research, Theory, and Practice entitled "A Motivational/Empowerment Model applied to students on academic probation" (in press).
• Co-authored chapter in Jim Black's (Ed.) Gen Xers Return to College: Enrollment Strategies for a Maturing Population entitled "Retention programs for at risk Gen Xers" (2003).
• Proposal Reviewer for American Evaluation Association and American Educational Research Association
• Presenter at American Evaluation Association national conference in 2004, 2005
• Presenter at American Educational Research Association national conference in 2004, 2005
• Former research associate, Center for Educational Research and Evaluation, Greensboro, NC

Platform Statement:

• Highlight your involvement in this unit that will help you in leading this unit. What roles have you played in this unit thus far?

In attending the meetings of this commission over the last two years, I have observed that academic professionals are increasingly expected to illustrate that the work that they perform positively impacts persistence and graduation rates, and adds value to students' post-secondary experience. I can bring theoretical knowledge and practical hands-on experience to a leadership role in this commission.

• 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?

It is my belief, as an advisor and faculty member for 12 years, that the impact of our work must be evidenced to stakeholders, and that we use assessment and program evaluation as self-improvement tools to assure that as professionals we provide the highest quality of service to students. Consistent with the missions of NACADA, as an association of professional advisors, counselors, faculty, administrators and students working to enhance the educational development of students, the Assessment of Advising Commission should strive to:

• Facilitate an understanding of the effect of educational assessment and evaluation in academic advising on student learning and development in an increasingly diverse world.
• Encourage and share institutional assessment and evaluation experiences to enhance the general awareness of student learning and persistence.
• Facilitate academic advisors in identifying and developing assessment and evaluation tools to address the needs of all stakeholders, including students, faculty, advisors, and institutions.
• Provide expertise for proposal development and evaluation expertise for funded projects to promote the development of academic advising as a research field.
• Anticipate the needs for assessment and evaluation in academic advising for accountability and self-improvement.
• Collaborate with other Commissions and Units in advancing the body of knowledge on academic advising for student learning.

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

My association with NACADA and other academic associations have provided a supportive environment for my growth as an academic advisor and evaluator for the past 12 years. Now it is time for me to contribute what I have to offer to the Commission and to encourage growth and involvement in the field of assessment and evaluation for academic advising in order to enhance the post-secondary experience of students from increasingly diverse backgrounds.

• Provide any additional comments or information regarding your past experiences and qualifications that relate to your candidacy for this leadership position. 

My background includes teaching, advising, and assessment experience encompassing state university, small private college, and community college settings. I have also served as a program evaluator on projects that range from statewide federal projects to local retention initiatives. In December, I will have completed the requirements for the PhD in Adult and Higher Education with a focus in Educational Research Methodology. This experience will enable me to provide support to the work of this committee.