Susan Kolls
	Northeastern University Boston, MA
	Platform Statement: Highlight the goals you accomplished and the work you did while serving as a Unit Chair or Division Representative. In addition, highlight your involvement in all areas of the Association, demonstrating your experiences that make you qualified to serve in this position on the NACADA Board of Directors.

It has been my great pleasure to serve as the Chair of the Northeast Region 1. During my time in this position I have had the opportunity to help the region in many ways, especially in terms of increased communication and leadership structure. My first goal upon taking office in October of 2007 was to rework the Regional Operating Principles (the new principles can be viewed on the NACADA Region One web site). Focusing first on regional leadership, my goal was to develop a Steering Committee that could sustain itself in terms of membership and progress. I added positions that include Conference Site Selection Chair, Communication and Membership Chair, Budget Chair and Awards and Recognition Chair. All positions, including all area liaisons, are fully-staffed at this time, and the terms of office are staggered to allow consistent representation. I believe that I can provide the same sense of structure and logic to projects undertaken on a national level. It is vitally important that NACADA remain strong in terms of leadership and structure and I hope to be able to be part of that strength.

In addition, as a region, we have increased the number and type of scholarships offered to regional conferences and National Institutes, thus increasing opportunity for members in Region 1. Increasing opportunity is an area in which I believe I can continue to be of service to NACADA. I believe very strongly that academic advisors represent a great diversity of academic backgrounds, job descriptions and responsibilities and it is the duty of NACADA to best represent all that encompasses advising.

Since October of 2007 I have also published and disseminated several regional newsletters. These newsletters have served to inform, highlight and grow our region. We've been able to highlight regional achievements, advertise open Steering Committee positions, inform our membership of regional activities and invite contributions from regional membership. In service to National NACADA I would also be greatly interested and involved in communication with members. I believe that we need to tackle technological advances and heighten the usefulness of the NACADA web site and features and hope to be part of that change.

I believe that my experience and enthusiasm make me an excellent candidate for a position on the Board of Directors. I believe strongly in the mission and direction of NACADA.

What do you believe are the most important goals and initiatives for the Association in meeting its strategic plan and what do you feel you can contribute to this position in meeting these goals and initiatives?

NACADA clearly states the role that all leadership plays in advancing its important goals and initiatives. I believe that the strategic plan set out by the current leadership is important, sound and achievable - albeit through much hard work and many dedicated hours. We must continue to turn our eye toward assessing the academic needs of higher education globally, providing reasonable and excellent professional development opportunities, promoting research and disseminating information, increasing education about the field of academic advising and ensuring the effectiveness of our organization. I believe my strengths lie in my ability to champion the educational role of academic advising and to help to ensure the effectiveness of the organization. I believe very strongly in academic advising and in NACADA and that belief allows me to dedicate myself to my career and to this organization.

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

It is an honor to be nominated for this position and I hope that I am granted the opportunity to serve. I have been an active member of NACADA for many years and am proud to say that I have culled many significant relationships from among its ranks. I have utmost respect for NACADA leaders who have always taken the time to direct, consult, advise and welcome me. Susan Campbell, Jayne Drake, Gail Stepina, George Steele, Charlie Nutt, Glenn Kepic, Casey Self, the list is endless. Any one - and all - of these individuals, as well as many others not named - inspire me to serve NACADA. Not only does NACADA accomplish great things on the national and global level - but every day NACADA serves to inspire on the individual level as well. That the organization remembers the importance and value of one member is astounding - and that we honor the collective membership is better still. It has been my pleasure to serve in any capacity along side such people, and will continue to be an honor, regardless of the position that I hold or the role offered to me. I hope that my future holds an opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors - but am dedicated to NACADA regardless.

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. 

I am thrilled for the chance to be part of the leadership election process. I hope that I am granted an opportunity to continue to serve NACADA now and in the future. I am happy to discuss my candidacy if questions remain - please feel free to contact me at s.kolls@neu.edu or by phone at 617.373.5906. I am dedicated to advancing NACADA and its mission, and take great pride in my involvement and accomplishments since joining this great organization. I am proud to be an academic advisor, hopeful that my advisees will meet with great success, and content to know that I have somehow played a small part in their achievements. I can imagine no better reward for my dedication to advising than to dedicate myself to NACADA. Thank you.

Past Involvement in NACADA:

Years in NACADA: 14 years

National Offices Held and Accomplishments Achieved

• Northeast Region 1 Chair, 2007-2009

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

• Region 1 Planning Board, 2001 - Present
• Region 1 Conference Co-Chair, 2006 & 2007
• Region 1 Conference Program Co-chair, 2004 & 2005
• Region 1 Conference Registration Co-Chair, 2002 & 2003
• Region 1 Member at Large, 2002 - Present
• Region 1 Conference Site Co-Chair, 2001
• Region 1 Conference Program Committee, 1999 - Present

Committee/Task Force/Advisory Board Activities and Accomplishments:

• Member, Task Force on New Leader Orientation, 2007-2008

Commission/Interest Group Activities and Accomplishments:

• Member: Undecided/Exploratory Students, Advisor Training and Development, Multicultural Concerns and Advising Administration Commissions

Other:

• NACADA National Conference Volunteer, 2007, 2009
• Advisor Chair, Northeastern University Advising Network, 2000-2007
• 2006 Northeast Region One Academic Advising Excellence Award Recipient
• Presented at 10 National and Regional NACADA Conferences.
• Member - Northeastern University Enrollment Management Student Affairs Staff Development Committee, 2007 - Present
• Contributor to The New Advisor Guidebook: Mastering the Art of Advising Through the First Year and Beyond, National Academic Advising Association Monograph Series, Number 16, 2007. Chapter 3 - Informational Component: Learning About Advisees - Putting Together the Puzzle; Voices from the Field - The Chair.
• Content Review Panel Member: Academic Advising: A Comprehensive Handbook, 2nd Edition, National Academic Advising Association, Jossey-Bass