Teri Farr-Behnke
	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?

As a member of the Liberal Arts Advisors Commission, I have attended multiple meetings and at the most recent meeting at the National conference in Chicago, I was disappointed at the lack of commission members in attendance. As commission chair, I would make it my top priority to find out why and address those issues immediately. I intend to breathe new life into this commission that I believe strongly in and bring a new energy to encourage involvement.

I have been an academic advisor in a liberal arts major since 2002. Every day, I work with students who have declared a major in our department but have no idea what they are going to do after graduation. Our job, as advisors is to help our students see the connection of what they have learned in the classroom to a career after graduation. Empowering students to be able to articulate the transferable skills they can bring to any work environment is key to their success. In these tough economic times, we need to be even more confident in our students and their abilities and continue to help students make the valuable connection of their transferable skills to the workplace. Through internships, job shadowing, networking opportunities on campus and in the community and alumni connections, our majors can be successful in the job market or in a graduate program.

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?

As Chair of the Liberal Arts Advisors Commission, I will work hard at increasing involvement and providing services and resources for our members. We also need to partner with other commissions and interest groups with common interests and encourage our members to co-present with other commission or interest group members. One way to accomplish this is to provide a panel session during the national conference on a topic where various constituents from different commissions and/or interest groups can share various perspectives and viewpoints.

Another outlet for communication is to provide an electronic venue for communication during the year where we could share ideas, resources, and materials. It is crucial to provide members with continual information rather than just the one hour that is reserved during the national conference for the commission meeting. In addition, I would like to identify regional liaisons to promote the commission goals and services during state and regional meetings. As commission chair, I will work hard to identify members talents and interests and encourage their involvement in the commission and its work.

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

I have been an active NACADA member and supporter since 1994 and I have attended almost every national meeting since then. In addition, I have been active at the local level and attended several regional and state meetings and held leadership positions at every level. I would like to serve as chair because I know it is crucial for us to provide our members with information, support, resources and knowledge so we can continue to develop as advisors. I believe strongly in collaboration and inclusivity and will work hard to uphold those beliefs. As a liberal arts graduate myself, I know of the skills, diversity of knowledge, and educational depth our majors leave college with. It is our job to help students articulate and demonstrate that knowledge and help them make those connections.

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: 15 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:

Other: