I have been a member of the Small Colleges and Universities Commission since joining NACADA in 1999 and have attended commission meetings, commission sponsored conference sessions, and social gathering/networking opportunities each year since. Through the commission, I have met others in similar positions and institutions that have contributed richly to my professional growth and understanding of Academic Advising within this unique niche of the NACADA organization. I feel strongly that this commission is vital in providing not only representation of, but a voice for those at smaller institutions and I am honored to have been asked to help in this continuing effort.

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 that it is important for the Small Colleges and Universities Commission to continue to advocate for recognition, voice, and inclusion of smaller institutions within the larger context of the NACADA organization. The Commission has much to offer from it's unique perspective and knowledge regarding the support of all of NACADA's goals, but in particular the ones focusing on the providing of comprehensive professional development opportunities within the academic advising community and uplifting the educational role of academic advising through enhanced student learning and development.

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

I was asked to accept this nomination by some members within the commission and while initially reluctant, I am now firm in my desire to offer my name up for this leadership position. The Small Colleges and Universities Commission is the only commission that is not a topic or subgroup found within the advising field, but an entity comprised of common institution type. While the title is "Small Colleges and Universities" the representative membership is not small and it is important that the unique needs of these institutions be expressed and heard. With multiple hats worn, small budgets extended to the breaking point, and a possible forced choice of attending only one professional development opportunity a year due to a variety of constraints; I want the average commission member to feel confident that there will be a place for them at this particular table and that NACADA will remain a wise choice for investment of time and resources.

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. 

Currently as Dean of Student Life and Learning, and before that as Associate Dean of Academic Support, I have been involved in the administration of the Academic Advising program at Texas Lutheran University since 1999. In the quest to find the most effective and appropriate model for faculty advising at my institution, I have found that viewing advising as learning and teaching has been successful on many fronts. I am a strong advocate for this model for small colleges and universities because the learning that takes place through the advising process is a natural extension of the teaching role our faculty advisors occupy. With this philosophical model as the base, the next area of concentration for TLU is the creation of a structural framework of appropriate pedagogies, advising curriculum, and assessment. I am hopeful that as the work at my own institution takes shape, I can share the mistakes made, lessons learned, and new roads to forge with my fellow commission members at the national level. I appreciate this opportunity presented by NACADA and if elected, look forward to working with the organization in the years ahead.

Past Involvement in NACADA:

Years in NACADA: 9 years

National Offices Held and Accomplishments Achieved While in Office:

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

• Attended 2007 Region 7 conference, Austin, TX

Committee/Task Force/Advisory Board Activities and Accomplishments:

• Current Member, Annual Conference Advisory Board - 2007 - present
• Current Member, NACADA Faculty Seminar Review Board, 2006 - present

Commission/Interest Group Activities and Accomplishments:

• Current Member — Small Colleges & Universities Commission, Advising Administration Commission, Faculty Advising Commission

Other:

• Presented at annual conferences in 2005, 2005
• Attended NACADA Faculty Advising Seminar in 2006, 2007