Celeste Pardee
	University of Arizona Tucson, AZ
	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.

As a current member and immediate past chair of the Finance Committee, I have gained valuable insight on sources of association income, expenditures on member services and programs, and the budget process. We are fortunate to have a fiscally sound association, but that doesn’t happen by accident. Board members are charged with approving initiatives that will further the Strategic Plan, while at the same time serving as responsible stewards of our money. It’s advantageous for Board members to understand the financial implications of new ventures. If elected, I’d bring this perspective to the Board. While chairing the Finance Committee, I proposed a revision to the By-laws to create a stronger system of checks and balances on decisions with a financial component. Revision of the By-laws is a work in progress, and I would like to assist the Board with this important project.

As the first chair of the Academic Advising Consultants & Speakers Service (AACSS) Advisory Board, my goals include analyzing the past/present use of this service, determining the reasons for members to hire consultants, and making recommendations on how to provide quality services. After one year in existence, the Advisory Board has taken several steps to achieve these goals. We conducted a member survey, analyzed the findings, and presented proposals to change the Bureau’s name, its mission, and its communications and marketing strategies. My experience leading this hard-working advisory group would stand me in good stead as a member of the Board of Directors.

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?

From my current perspective of chairing the AACSS Advisory Board, I would identify these 2 Strategic Goals as most critical:

1. Addressing the academic advising needs of higher education globally. The services provided to advising centers, colleges, and universities through AACSS will help our association accomplish this goal. NACADA consultants who assess campus advising systems are in a unique position to identify and address critical issues facing the profession. AACSS consultants, with their expertise in theory and practice, can make recommendations to strengthen advising and improve this service to students on our campuses. As the Advisory Board Chair, I see the significant role that AACSS can play in shaping our association so that it’s more relevant to our members and our institutions.
2. Educating university and college decision makers about the role of quality academic advising in higher education. With the myriad issues facing higher education administrators, it’s not surprising that they lose sight of the role of academic advising in student success and graduation. Not only can AACSS consultants--through their campus visits, workshops, and assessment reports--help enlighten our administrators, but all of us can do our part to inform and involve our administrators in Student Affairs or Academic Affairs in campus advising initiatives and activities.

As a member of the Board of Directors, I’d be in a good position to expand the work I’ve begun on the AACSS Advisory Board to help implement the initiatives that will enable us to accomplish these Strategic Goals.

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

I was recently awarded the 2007 Service to NACADA Award, an honor that both thrilled and humbled me. For every position I’ve held or contribution I’ve made, I’ve gained so much more in return. I’ve met interesting, intelligent, and caring advising professionals from all over the country; I’ve developed new skills and have gained valuable leadership experience. By serving this association in a variety of capacities, I've been supported by NACADA and my career in higher education has been truly enriched. My leadership activities have provided new avenues for growth within my own university. In turn, I’ve made a commitment to contribute my talents and expertise to the association and to be a resource for others in the profession. One of my current goals is to encourage new and/or younger advisors with diverse backgrounds to take advantage of the abundant opportunities that this association offers.

My longevity and range of experiences have given me a good understanding of NACADA’s mission, goals, structure, and operating procedures. Additionally, the communication, organization, detail, and leadership skills I’ve developed both within and beyond NACADA can be applied to the position I’m seeking on the Board. My dedication and enthusiasm for NACADA has been proven time and time again. Having chaired most recently a committee and an advisory board, each of which has a very specific focus, I’m now seeking the challenge of a broader position in the association—serving on the Board of Directors.

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. 

Past Involvement in NACADA:

Years in NACADA: 22 years

National Offices Held and Accomplishments Achieved While in Office:

• NACADA Finance Committee Chair, 2004-2006:
  • Drafted proposal to clarify the Committee’s role in the new organizational structure.
  • Conducted annual meetings, facilitated timely electronic discussion and votes on the annual budget and supplemental budget requests.
  • Prepared Committee responses to Board of Directors on budget requests; submitted annual reports.
• NACADA Executive Committee Secretary, 1996-1998:
  • Prepared minutes of Executive Committee and Board of Directors meetings.
  • Chaired the Nominations & Election Committee.
  • Prepared proposal to restructure the Nominations & Election Committee that was approved by the Board of Directors.
  • Wrote articles for Academic Advising News announcing and analyzing election results.
  • Represented Executive Committee at 2 regional conferences: conducted new member orientations and presented workshops on advising research.
• NACADA Region 10-Rocky Mountain Representative, 1994-1996
  • Drafted Region 10 By-laws that were approved by members.
  • Established Region 10 advisory committee with representatives from each state.
  • Provided quarterly updates on regional events in Academic Advising News.
  • Assisted with the development of a Regional Representative Handbook.
  • Assisted Region 10 Conference Committee in planning regional conferences.

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

• Arizona Academic Advisors Conference, Chair, 1994
• Region 10 Conference Planning Committee, Program Co-Chair, 1993
• Region 10 Conference Planning Committee, Program Subcommittee, 1990
• Arizona Academic Advisors Conference, Program Chair, 1989

Committee/Task Force/Advisory Board Activities and Accomplishments:

• Chair, Academic Advising Consultants & Speakers Service Advisory Board (formerly Consultants Bureau Advisory Board), 2006 – present:
  • Coordinated member survey on use of Consultants Bureau, January 2007
  • Prepared proposals to change the name of this service, to create a new mission statement, and to implement a communications & marketing plan
  • Wrote announcement of AACSS name change for September 2007 Highlights
  • Conducted annual meetings, facilitated timely electronic discussion and votes on issues to be resolved.
• Member, Content Review Board for CD2: Academic Advising Delivery Models, 2006.
• Member, NACADA Journal Editorial Board, 1992-1995
• Member, Research Committee, 1988-1992

Commission/Interest Group Activities and Accomplishments:

• Current member: Advising Administration Commission, 1992–present; Technology in Advising Commission, 2001-present

Other:

• NACADA:
  • Organized and moderated panel presentation, Involvement in NACADA (formerly Moving Up the NACADA Leadership Ladder), at 11 NACADA National Conferences, 1997-2007.
  • Researched and wrote article, “Organizational Structures for Advising,” published in NACADA Clearinghouse, 2004.
  • Researched and wrote chapter, “Organizational Models for Academic Advising,” in Academic Advising: A Comprehensive Handbook, 2000.
  • Participated in NACADA Leadership Mentor Program, 2001-2003.
• University of Arizona:
  • Curriculum Associate, Office of Academic Affairs, October 2007 - present
  • Curriculum Associate & Coordinator of Graduation Services, Office of the Registrar, 2001 - 2007
  • Editor of the UA Advising Resource Center’s weekly column, “Ask an Advisor,” 2005-2006
  • Member Arizona Academic Advising Task Force, 1997 – 2007
  • Member UA Academic Advising Task Force, 2001 – 2002
  • Founder and member, University Professional Advising Council, 1990- present