Mark Vegter
	Illinois State University Normal, IL
	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?

In addition to attending commission meetings and socials, I have presented both commission and non-commission sponsored GLBTQ related presentations at NACADA. I am also helping with the NACADA Safe Zone program and have volunteered to be a resource for NACADA members who may want to contact an advisor with a GLBTQ related question or need.

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? 

This commission is an excellent resource for NACADA members to educate themselves on Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender issues. One of the primary goals of the commission is to assist the NACADA membership to better understand and work with our GLBT students and colleagues. As more of our students are out in college, this charge becomes even more crucial than in the past.

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

Being Chair of the commission will allow me to blend the profession I enjoy, Academic Advising, with a population of students close to my heart, GLBT students. Having been a resource for Advisors at Illinois State University on GLBT students, it will be a pleasure expand that role through NACADA. The encouragement I receive from commission members at commission meetings and in my NACADA presentations has been wonderful and key to my accepting the nomination for chair.

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. 

My leadership experience has been extensive at Illinois State University (Chair, Academic Advisor Advisory Council; President, Triangle Association; Secretary, Administrative Professional Council; to name a few). I would like to use the insight I have gained from these roles to help the Commission advance its goals while keeping with NACADA's commitment to the advancement of Academic Advisement.

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:

• Presenter, 2007 Region V conference, Embracing Diversity: From College to Careers—Advising GLBTQ Students.
• Co-recipient, Region V NACADA Grant for an Advisor Training and Development program at Illinois State University, 2005
• Co-Presenter, 2004 Illinois Academic Advisor Association Conference, Bridging Gaps: Connecting Campus Groups through an Integrated Training Program
• Member, Planning Committee for the 2001 Illinois Academic Advisor Association (ILAAA) State Conference
• Co-Presenter, 2001 Illinois Academic Advising Association State Conference, Advising Needs of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, & Transgender students
• Attended Region V conferences since 1995.
• Attended Region VI conference in 2006.

Committee/Task Force/Advisory Board Activities and Accomplishments:

Commission/Interest Group Activities and Accomplishments:

• Current member — LGBTA Concerns Commission since 1999; member of commission's Safe Zone Steering Committee since 2004
• Current member — Liberal Arts Advisors Commission (since 2005); Advising Transfer Students Commission, Theory and Advising Commission since 1995

Other:

• Co-Presenter, Illinois Cooperative Education and Internship Association 2007 state conference, "Embracing Diversity: From College to Careers—Advising GLBTQ Students"
• NACADA Annual Conference presentations —
  • Co-presenter, 2006 (3 sessions) — "Understanding the Needs of Millennial Students"; "Linking Academic Advisement and Career Development"; "Embracing Diversity: From College to Careers—Advising GLBTQ Students"
  • Co-Presenter, 2005: "Stacking the Decks in Favor of our Students: The Importance of Advisor Development"
  • Presenter, 2005: "Betting on a Long Shot: Working the Odds in Favor of the GLBT Millennial"
  • Co-Presenter, 2004: Bridging Gaps: Connecting Campus Groups through an Integrated Training Program
• Illinois State University activities —
  • Member, Modern Language Association (MLA) Activities & Honors at Illinois State University
  • Elected to Academic Advisor Advisory Council, the Academic Advisor Association of Illinois State University, 2007-2010
  • Chair, Academic Advisor Advisory Council, 2007
  • Planning Committee member, Campus wide Advisor Retreat, 2007
  • Secretary, Administrative Professional Council, 2006 to 2007
  • Elected to the Administrative Professional Council, 2004 to 2007
  • Co-Recipient, Team Excellence Award for an Advisor/Career Counselor conference at Illinois State University, 2007
  • Faculty/Staff Advisor for Pride (the GLBTQ Student group), 2003 to Present
  • President, Triangle Association (the GLBTQ Faculty/Staff group), 2004 to Present
  • Vice President, Triangle Association, 2002 to 2004
  • Member, Safe Zone Coordinating Committee, 1998 to Present
  • Member, GLBTQ Student Support Fund Coordinating Committee, 2005 to Present
  • Co Advisor, Sigma Tau Delta, the English Honors Society (for English majors and minors) ISU Chapter 2005 to Present
  • Chair, Academic Advisor Development Committee, 2002 to 2006
  • Nominated for the Herb Sanders Award for Excellence in Advising, 2006