Terrie Cole, Rollins College, Winter Park, FL

Past Involvement in NACADA:

Years in NACADA: 10 years

National Offices Held and Accomplishments Achieved While in Office:

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

Committee/Task Force/Advisory Board Activities and Accomplishments:

Commission/Interest Group Activities and Accomplishments:

• Member of Advising Adult Learners Commission for past 10 years (1997- current)
  • Assisted with commission fairs at National Conventions.
  • Participated as a member of the commission's steering committee for 2 years.
• Current member — C34 C39 Small Colleges and Universities Commission, Pre-Law Advising Interest Group, Advising Public & Urban Affairs Majors Potential Interest Group

Other:

• Academic Adviser in the evening degree division of Rollins College — A large portion of our students are working adults between the ages of 25 and 45.
• Attendee, NACADA National Conferences, 1999, 2000, 2002-2006
• Participant, NACADA Leadership Program, 2000-2004

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 Adult Learners Commission for 10 years. During that time, I have helped with commission fairs at National Conventions and have participated in their steering committee for the past 2 years.

• 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?

When I was an undergraduate student in the 70's, I remember 3 students over the age of 25. Today things are different. Adults are now a much bigger part of campus life. They bring with them many things; diversity, life experience, job-related experience, maturity, leadership skills, etc. But they also bring with them special needs; full-time job responsibilities, children, aging parents, and/or spouses who need their time and attention. They may lack the computer skills of the younger students or they may not have worked an algebra problem in years.  There are so many things adults students have to take into consideration when they return to school. And even more things as they continue to take classes.

I've learned a lot in the past ten years working with adult students. I'm sure I've learned more from them, than they have learned from me. Therefore, I want to continue to help the Adult Learners Commission support and educate Academic and Faculty Advisers who work with even a few non-traditional students. I have a strong feeling that includes all of us.

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

The current commission chair asked me if I was interested in applying for this postion. After much thought, I realized that I am. I would like to take a more active leadership role in both the Adult Learners Commission and in 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.