Bryant Hutson
	University of North Carolina-Greensboro Greensboro, NC
	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?

In attending meetings of this commission, I have observed that academic professionals are increasingly expected to illustrate that the work that they perform positively impacts persistence and graduation rates, and adds value to students' post-secondary experience. I can bring theoretical knowledge and practical hands-on experience to a leadership role in this commission.

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? 

It is my belief, as an advisor and higher education professional for nearly 15 years, that the impact of our work must be evidenced to stakeholders, and that we use assessment and program evaluation as self-improvement tools to assure that as professionals we provide the highest quality of service to students. Consistent with the mission of NACADA, as an association of professional advisors, counselors, faculty, administrators and students working to enhance the educational development of college students, the Assessment of Advising Commission should strive to:

• Encourage and share institutional assessment and evaluation experiences to enhance the general awareness of student learning and persistence.
• Facilitate academic advisors in identifying and developing assessment and evaluation tools to address the needs of all stakeholders, including students, faculty, advisors, and institutions.
• Provide expertise for proposal development and evaluation expertise for funded projects to promote the development of academic advising as a research field.
• Facilitate an understanding of the impact that assessment in academic advising may have on student learning and development in an increasingly diverse world.
• Anticipate the needs for assessment and evaluation in academic advising for accountability and self-improvement.
• Collaborate with other Commissions and Units in advancing the body of knowledge on academic advising for student learning.

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

My association with NACADA has provided a supportive environment for my growth as an academic advisor and program evaluator. Now it is time for me to contribute what I have to offer to the Commission and to encourage growth and involvement in the field of assessment and program evaluation for academic advising in order to enhance the post-secondary experience of students from increasingly diverse backgrounds.

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. 

My background includes teaching, advising, and assessment experience encompassing state university, small private college, community college, and international settings. I hold a PhD in Adult and Higher Education with a focus in Educational Research, Measurement, and Evaluation. I have also served as a program evaluator on projects that range from statewide federally-funded projects to single-campus retention initiatives. This experience will enable me to provide support to the work of this commission.

Past Involvement in NACADA:

Years in NACADA: 4 years

National Offices Held and Accomplishments Achieved While in Office:

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

• NACADA State Liaison for North Carolina, Region Three, 2006-present
• Served on Region 3 Steering Committee, 2006-present
• Formed and served on planning committee to establish new NACADA-affiliated state association
• Started and managed listserv for North Carolina NACADA members
• Formed and served on steering committee for 2006 North Carolina state drive-in conference
• Nine presentations total at state and regional conferences, including a regional pre-conference workshop, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007

Committee/Task Force/Advisory Board Activities and Accomplishments:

• National Annual Conference Advisory Board member, 2006-2008

Commission/Interest Group Activities and Accomplishments:

• Current Member — Multicultural Concerns Commission, Technology in Advising Commission, and Assessment of Advising Commission
• Current member, Appreciative Advising Interest Group — involved in creation and organization of this group

Other:

• Eleven presentations at national NACADA conferences, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
• Co-presented pre-conference workshop at national NACADA conference, 2006
• Co-authored article for Journal of College Student Retention: Research, Theory, and Practice entitled "A Motivational/Empowerment Model applied to students on academic probation" (2007).
• Co-authored chapter in Jim Black's (Ed.) Gen Xers Return to College: Enrollment Strategies for a Maturing Population entitled "Retention programs for at risk Gen Xers" (2003).
• Co-authored article for Journal of Guangxi Normal University, Philosophy and Social Sciences Edition entitled “Reasons for attrition among distance learners and higher education's response: The challenge of supporting students who never come to college.” (2006).
• Co-Authored article for E-source for College Transitions entitled “The impact of Appreciative Advising on student success” (2007)
• Proposal Reviewer for American Evaluation Association, Assessment in Higher Education.
• Proposal Reviewer for American Educational Research Association, Postsecondary Education Division.
• Presented six refereed papers total on higher education assessment and evaluation at American Evaluation Association national conference, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007.
• Presented or co-presented five refereed papers total at American Educational Research Association national conference, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007.
• Guest Lecturer on Cross-Cultural Advising and Higher Education, Shanghai Teachers’ University, Shanghai, P.R.C, 2005, 2006.
• Former research associate, Center for Educational Research and Evaluation, Greensboro, NC.
• Invited Participant, National Science Foundation Adding Value to Mathematics and Science Partnerships Evaluation Conference, 2003, 2004