Kyle Ellis
	University of Mississippi University, MS
	Platform Statement: Highlight the goals you accomplished and the work you did while serving as a Unit Chair within this Division.

My commitment to NACADA has been strong since joining the organization several years ago. For the past two years it has been my honor to serve as Region IV Chair.

When I ran for the region chair position two years ago, two of my major goals were to reach out and support an underrepresented population in the region, and to create a more social dynamic network within the region membership. It is my pleasure to report that these two goals along with several others have been accomplished since I took the position. Region IV recognized graduate students as an underrepresented population that needed more support from the region leadership. In just my first year as region chair, I was able to create and award graduate student scholarships, so graduate students can attend both regional and national conferences. Another way the region is reaching out to this population is by the new mentoring programming I designed where experienced region members are paired up with new members. Region IV now has over 1,000 members. I believe the constant communication from myself, and the steering committee, has led the members to feel a better sense of belonging to the region. Another prime example of our social networking was the hospitality function I inquired about hosting during the 2007 NACADA National Conference. The function was a great success, as Region IV had the highest attendance of all the regions at the annual region meetings.

My accomplishments were not only limited to goals I initiated; they stemmed from needs I saw within the region upon taking office. Under my leadership, Region IV created a documented set of operating principles, created a budget chair position on the steering committee, and organized a planning for the steering committee in which the region will fund. The Region IV 2007 Conference was a great success on many levels. One of theses levels was revenue. Although, I cannot take all of the credit for the excellent conference planning and implementation, I can take credit for managing the profits wisely in which all members of the region benefited.

Before region chair, I was a member of the region steering committee. I was active in creating Region IV Awards, as well as all other decision-making issues concerning the region.

What do you believe are the Division's most important goals and initiatives in meeting the strategic plan for both the Division and the Association?  How do you feel you can be of benefit to the NACADA Council in meeting the Association's strategic plan and initiatives?

NACADA has worked hard over the past few years to develop a strong strategic plan that addresses future needs. By incorporating the national strategic goals into my own personal goals, I believe we can enhance our effectiveness as a successful organization.

Although, I believe all five of NACADA’s strategic goals are very important, I personally believe Goal 1: Address the academic advising needs of higher educational globally and Goal 5: Ensure the effectiveness of the NACADA organization are the two I most identify with. I have personally envisioned programs/ideas for my own region that will help NACADA achieve the strategic goals. There is no reason why we cannot take these same ideas and promote them on a national level. Every program I initiated on the regional level has been a success. That is why I believe some of these same visions can be successful on the national level as well. Working with the council, and being a voice for all region chairs, I am confident we can help NACADA accomplish all the strategic goals.

From my skills and past leadership experience, I feel that I can make valuable contributions to NACADA. I am very organized, flexible and a detailed-oriented person. As an effective team player who enjoys interacting with people, I will have great enthusiasm for the position and represent the membership with great dedication.

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

I strongly believe in NACADA and enjoy the interaction with colleagues throughout the nation and abroad. NACADA has played an important role in my professional development in the advising profession, and has been a significant resource of advising materials. As someone who has worked on regional goals and objectives, and participated in meetings regarding national strategic goals, I have developed a high level of expertise concerning the organization. I would like to use my knowledge, energy, and enthusiasm to help build a stronger organization. I believe that I have demonstrated my commitment to NACADA and the members through past work with the organization. I think I can use my influence to make us more effective as we carry out our mission. The NACADA organization is only as strong as the involvement of the members. That is why I value each and every member of NACADA, and hope to use my leadership positions to make NACADA better for all of us.

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.

NACADA needs leadership that is inclusive of the members. I plan to promote consistent and engaging involvement of all members. These efforts will increase membership, increase visibility, and enhance our effectiveness. I am confident that my experience and skills complement the experience of other NACADA leaders, and it will be possible to work together to achieve our goals. As we work together and remain adaptive and dedicated to meeting the needs of our members we will increase our professional visibility in the higher education community.

I believe I can make a difference and work hard for the organization. I want to give back to the people that have been a great influence on me. My fellow region chair colleagues have been phenomenal. I wish to represent them and their regions to the best of my ability as Division Representative.

Past Involvement in NACADA:

Years in NACADA: 4 years

National Offices Held and Accomplishments Achieved While in Office:

• Region IV Chair, 2006-2008
  • Created official operating principles for the region
  • Established first Region IV Scholarships for an underrepresented population
  • Established Region IV mentor program
  • Piloted first region reception at National Conference
  • Assisted in the creation of Region IV Awards Program  

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

• Region IV Steering Committee member, 2005-Present
• Region IV Conference Committee member, 2004
• Presenter at both national and regional conferences
• Volunteer at several region conferences
• Region IV awards selection committee
• Assisted with 2007 Mississippi State Conference (first state conference since Hurricane Katrina)
• 2006 Region IV Outstanding Leader Award

Committee/Task Force/Advisory Board Activities and Accomplishments:

Commission/Interest Group Activities and Accomplishments:

• Current Member: Undecided/Exploratory Students Commission, Advising Administration Commission, Advising Student Athletes Commission, New Advising Professionals Interest Group

Other:

• 2006 NACADA Graduate Student Scholarship recipient
• 2005 NACADA National and Regional Outstanding New Advisor Certificate of Merit
• Graduate of NACADA's Graduate Certificate in Academic Advising Program
• Instrumental in creating Ole Miss Academic Advisor Network (OMAAN)
• Published in NACADA Monograph and Virginia Gordon's book "The Undecided College Student"