Kris Rugsaken, Ball State University, Muncie, IN

Past Involvement in NACADA:

Years in NACADA: 13 years

National Offices Held and Accomplishments Achieved While in Office:

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

• Member, Planning Committee on State Academic Advising One-day Conference
• Attended every regional conference since 1990, except 1999.
• Presented at regional conference in 1990, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004

Committee/Task Force/Advisory Board Activities and Accomplishments:

Commission/Interest Group Activities and Accomplishments:

• Current member: Multicultural Concerns Commission, Advising Administration Commission, and Faculty Advising Commission

Other:

• Published 7 book reviews in NACADA Journal
• Published one article in NACADA Journal
• Provide annual training to faculty advisors
• Activities and Honors:
  • Chair, Advisor Evaluation Committee, BSU, 1992-96
  • Member, advisor training committee
  • Chair, degree audit reading guide committee, 2003
  • Member, faculty advisor handbook committee
  • Chair, Advising center coordinators, 1999, 2002
  • Chair, Asian Studies Committee, BSU (2001-2005)
  • Lecturer, Asian Studies, since (1996-present)
  • Lecturer, Multicultural education (1986-2002)

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? 

The United States has been the land of cultural pluralism from its inception although ignorance prevented its citizen from reaching outside of the individual's cocoons.  Today education has awaken the Americans to realize the true nature and component of this country of diverse cultures and to learn to understand the people who look and talk differently and to appreciate what all have to offer.

NACADA is one main source of this education from which both educators and students can learn and grow both personally and professionally.  The multicultural aspect of this great organization must be nurtured and promoted to bring the best result to all involved, whether in educational institutions or in communities.  My 16 years of teaching experience in multicultural education, 13 years as a NACADA member, and 6 years of membership in the Multicultural Concerns should qualify me for this position.

I would be honored to have an opportunity to serve NACADA as Chair of the Multicultural Concern Commission.  If someone else is more qualified than I for this position, I will be happy to assist that person to promote the two areas that I mentioned above.

• 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 Multicultural Concern Commission, I would focus my energy on two areas:

1. Communication and Networking — To raise an awareness of the multicultural concerns among NACADA members and to promote the understanding and appreciation of diversity.
2. Professional development — To encourage and promote local, regional, and national presentations related to diversity.

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

I have taught multicultural education for 16 years and have been involved in the NACADA Multicultural Concerns for at least 6 years. Yet, I have not seen much done for or with this Commission.  I believe I can do something for it more than has been done in the past.

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

In 1993, I first presented at the NACADA National Conference in Detroit on communication across cultures; and, due to a popular demand in the attendants' evaluation, I have been presenting on the topics related to the understanding of cultural pluralism and diversity almost every year since then. Combating ignorance of diversity and being open-minded is essential to everyone in this great nation.  NACADA is the base for all this to happen.