Brian Hinterscher
	University of Southern Indiana Evansville, IN
	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 very involved with the LGBTA Concerns Commission. I initiated, planned, and executed a Safe Zone training at the 2007 Annual Conference in Baltimore (in concert with the current commission chair), actively participated during the annual Commission meetings, reviewed the Commission's web site for revisions and updates, and organized the Commission's social outing at the 2007 Annual Conference in Baltimore.

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 primary goals of the commission are as follows (as taken from the LGBTA Concerns Commission Web site):

• EDUCATE the NACADA membership about the myths and concerns that confront gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered students.
• ENCOURAGE conversations amidst the NACADA membership about sexual orientation and gender identification and its relationship to issues in advising, education/career planning, curriculum, and retention.
• ESTABLISH a supportive environment where advisors can discuss and address homophobia and heterophobia in their institutions and in NACADA.
• ENABLE NACADA LGBT folks the opportunity to network with each other at regional and national conferences.

I believe that the Commission has done an exceptional job in meeting their current goals. I would like to carry on the leadership, exemplified by the previous Commission chairs, by enhancing the goals so as to continue to meet the needs of both the Commission and the Association. In my opinion, outreach to the Commission and the Association is the best way that a commission can be successful. I feel that constant communication is a must and assessing the needs of the members is just as important. Listening and taking an active approach to assess members’ needs will in turn make the Commission a stronger unit.

I think that being educated about a variety of societal topics has helped me build a better understanding of the students and colleagues with whom I work. Knowing that each institution addresses different concerns, the Commission should have a variety of topics to meet the Association’s needs at the Annual Conference, as well as at the Regional Conferences. In addition, I believe that stronger ties can be made by collaborating with other commissions/interest groups in presenting information that will educate the Association. Some topics that the Commission members could present/collaborate on are: LGBTQ Student Athletes, First Generation LGBTQ Students, Advising Transgender Students, LGBT Students at Faith-Based Institutions, Allies: What Are Their Needs, etc.

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

When thinking about why I am interested in serving as the LGBTA Concerns Commission chair, I begin to reflect on my favorite quote by Danny Kaye: “Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint on it you can.” I see this as a great opportunity for me to increase my involvement in NACADA, and to encourage others to become more active within the Association. By increasing my involvement, I hope to use this as a foundation to further grow into other leadership positions within NACADA. I look forward to the networking possibilities with members of the Association so that I can increase awareness about LGBTA Concerns. It would be an honor to serve in this capacity.

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: 2 years

National Offices Held and Accomplishments Achieved While in Office:

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

• Communications Committee Member, NACADA 2008 Region V Conference in Grand Rapids, MI
• Presenter, NACADA 2007 Region V Conference in Milwaukee, WI (A New Millennium Happy Hour: Brewing Success for Probation Students)

Committee/Task Force/Advisory Board Activities and Accomplishments:

Commission/Interest Group Activities and Accomplishments:

• Current member — LGBTA Concerns Commission, Commission on Undecided/Exploratory Students
• Current member — Probation/Dismissal/Reinstatement Issues Interest Group, New Advising Professionals Interest Group
• Past member — First-Generation College Students Interest Group, 2006-2007 

Other:

• Presenter, NACADA 2007 Annual Conference (Pre-Conference: Safe Zone Training)
• NACADA Outstanding New Advisor Award Winner, 2007
• Attended NACADA Summer Institute in Burlington, VT, 2007
• Attended NACADA Annual Conference in Indianapolis, IN, 2006
• Faculty Advisor, USI Spectrum, 2005-Present