Ruth Hussey, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA

Past Involvement in NACADA:

Years in NACADA: 17 years

National Offices Held and Accomplishments Achieved While in Office:

• Chair, Professional Development Committee, 2003-2005
• Chair, Commission for Undecided /Exploratory Students, 2000-2002 — established the first web site and list serve for this commission

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

• Chair, Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference 2001, State College, PA
• Member, Region 2 conference planning committee, 2000-2002
• Region 2 Steering Committee Member, 2000-2002

Committee/Task Force/Advisory Board Activities and Accomplishments:

• Selection committee member for presenters at national conference, 2000-2002
• Member, Professional Development Task Force, 2002

Commission/Interest Group Activities and Accomplishments:

• Region 2 liaison to the Commission for Undecided/Exploratory Students, 1996-2000
• Current member, Commission for Undecided/Exploratory Students, Advising Student Athletes Commission, and Assessment of Advising Commission

Other:

• Committee member for planning the Annual Professional Development Conference for Academic Advisers at Penn State University 2002-2005
• Received the NACADA Outstanding Advisor Award, 2003
• Presented at numerous Regional and National Conferences, pre-conference workshops and concurrent sessions

Platform Statement:

• Highlight your involvement in this unit that will help you in leading this unit. What roles have you played in this unit thus far?

While I was chair of the Professional Development Committee many recommendations were presented to the Board of Directors and became new initiatives of NACADA, for example; Assessment of Academic Advising Institute, National Seminar, Foundations of Academic Advising CD Series, and Guide to Assessment of Academic Advising.  Our committee sought input from surveys, conference attendees, commission, committee and
regional reports to understand the needs of the NACADA members in areas of professional development.

• 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 the Administrative Division Representative I will provide leadership for the standing committees and be able to put forth to the Council recommendations that will strengthen the diversity of the membership,promote cohesiveness with all groups, and provide recognition and financial support for individuals who can and have made a contribution to the advising profession. The success of any organization is dependent on the strength of its members and leaders and as NACADA grows, the Administrative Division has the responsibility to guide this growth to ensure the future involvement of its members and the advancement of the profession of academic advising.

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

I have been a professional academic adviser since 1976 and represent that group of individuals who sought this career and still enjoy the challenges and rewards of working with students and advising colleagues. Because of my dedication to this profession I have wanted to be active in the professional development of advisers and my involvement in NACADA allows me to contribute to the growth of the members and the organization.  For the past ten years I have been active in NACADA at both the regional and national levels and hope to continue supporting this organization that represents my mission in higher education.

• Provide any additional comments or information regarding your past experiences and qualifications that relate to your candidacy for this leadership position.

The mission of NACADA is to provide professional development of academic advisers and advance the body of knowledge of academic advising. My past involvement with the Professional Development Committee and the Commission for Undecided/Exploratory Students has provided me with many opportunities to learn about the needs and wants of the NACADA members. My almost 30 years of advising exploratory students has given me valuable experiences and insights to contribute to the advising community and I hope to continue to be part of the leadership of NACADA.