Rebecca Ryan, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI

Past Involvement in NACADA:

Years in NACADA: 10 years

National Offices Held and Accomplishments Achieved While in Office:

• Chair, Great Lakes Region 5, 2003-2005

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

• Chair, Great Lakes Regional Conference, 2003 — largest Region 5 conference to date
• Board member, WACADA (Wisconsin/NACADA Allied Organization), 2 terms, and Vice President of Programs, 1 term — As WACADA board member, developed Advisor Awards, established non-profit status for Wisconsin, promoted membership through various initiatives.
• Wisconsin State Representative, 2 terms, 1999-2003

Committee/Task Force/Advisory Board Activities and Accomplishments:

Commission/Interest Group Activities and Accomplishments:

• Current member: Commission on Undecided and Exploratory Students, Advisor Training and Development Commission

Other:

• Presenter at National conferences since 1996
• Institution-based activities:
  • President, Newsletter Editor & Membership Coordinator for the Student Personnel Association (SPA) — a UW-Madison organization
  • University Bookstore Board of Trustees
  • President of Altrusa, a Women's International Community Service organization
  • Advisor to the Madison Chapter of Golden Key, and International Honour Society
  • Speaker/Trainer, Advisor Development -UC-Berkeley and Oklahoma City Community College, UW-Parkside, UW-Colleges
  • Elected member to the Personnel Policies and Procedures committee--staff governance concerning staff rights and job security
  • Chair of the L&S Professional Development and Recognition Committee-responsible for selecting 5 Excellence Award winners for Letters and Science.

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?

I was proud to represent Region 5, and 20% of the NACADA membership in my role as Region 5 chair.  I continued to work on the grassroots initiatives that contribute to the cohesiveness of the Region, including continuing our grants program, now in it's 4th year. To date, we have given $6000+ back to our Region members, which has supported various professional development and allied organization initiatives within the region. In 2003, we held our first Regional conference in the Ontario province, which contributed to the beginnings of a unified base within the province.

We have successfully supported the creation of a new state of Michigan advisor allied organization, MIACADA. We have begun to more consciously link our state organizations to the Regional level by beginning the exploration of integrating a "Best of ______(state or institutional conference)" award and invitation to present at the Regional level.

• 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?  

I believe the NACADA organization is as strong as it's membership and that the Regional Division holds a key position from which to operate and build a stronger member base. As our membership gets more solid, it presents to the organization endless opportunities to reach into the member base for access to current and upcoming advising themes, research talent, access to a network of university leaders, developing emerging leaders for the organization, and perhaps most important, a network of potential members, via allied organizations, both formal and informal, at the institution and state/province level.

The Regional division also plays a role in cultivating stronger relationships, and producing cooperative efforts with the Commission and Interest Group division, which I see as a key player in retaining new members.  Individuals may join for the strength of the organization but they stay for the professional development, most often related to their commission and interest group connections.  I am interested in pursuing the link between recruitment and retention and the collaborative potential to work toward that by Regions and C&I involvment.

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

I joined the advising profession in 1994. I began my relationship with NACADA in 1995 by attending my first regional conference.  In the short time (at least it feels short) that I have been in the profession and involved with NACADA, I have seen tremendous growth in the profession. What an exciting time to be involved with the professional association. My advising philosophy centers on utilizing one's unique strengths to move toward growth and development.  I strongly believe that advising is a critical component to the complete student experience, and contributes positively toward overall university climate. Advisors must become their own best advocate.  I would be proud to contribute my time, energy, and strengths to the NACADA organization.

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

I will bring to NACADA my energy and motivation to contribute to the profession and growth of advising.  I will serve with the utmost pride in the organization.