Jermaine Williams
	Temple University Philadelphia, PA
	Platform Statement: Highlight the goals you accomplished and the work you did while serving as a Unit Chair within this Division.

As chair of the membership committee, I have encouraged healthy communication amongst committee members. I strongly support a committee environment where each member’s viewpoint is considered and decisions are truly that of the entire committee. This approach has been helpful when executing tasks such as reviewing and making recommendations to NACADA by-laws. The membership committee has been asked to do this a several times during my tenure. These tasks were always successfully completed in a timely manner.

A second major accomplishment is the shift in goals. 2007-2008 Membership Committee goals are embedded in the strategic goals of NACADA. Furthermore, the goals established can be measured and create accountability for the committee.

What do you believe are the Division's most important goals and initiatives in meeting the strategic plan for both the Division and the Association?  How do you feel you can be of benefit to the NACADA Council in meeting the Association's strategic plan and initiatives?

One the Division’s most important goals is to discuss, establish, and implement goals and a strategic plan. Currently, the Division has a set of operational guidelines. I think the Division could be enhanced by creating goals and a strategic plan aligned with the vision and updated strategic goals of the Association. Identifying Division tasks to support the Association’s vision and strategic goals will contribute to the enhancement of the Division and the Association. This action is also in accordance with the “background” statement found on the NACADA strategic plan web site (www.nacada.ksu.edu/Leadership/StrategicPlan/index.htm).

My benefit to the NACADA Council in meeting the Association’s strategic plan and initiatives is to facilitate and promote communication leading to the development of Division goals and a strategic plan aligned with the vision and strategic plan of the Association. Currently, there are no such established goals for the Division. Furthermore, as a council member, I will strive to thoroughly get recommendations from "Divisions on policies, procedures, and programs to meet member needs and to advance the association” (http://www.nacada.ksu.edu/Leadership/council.htm).

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

This leadership position presents an opportunity for me to provide service to an organization whose values and beliefs I respect. I support the vision of the “advancement of academic advising to enhance student learning and development” (NACADA vision, 2007) and the strategic goals driving this vision.

NACADA has been, and still is, a support system for me. I have felt welcomed since I joined NACADA. Furthermore, I have always been encouraged by NACADA members to involve myself in NACADA and grow professionally. I have developed professionally and met great people along the way – once again, thanks to NACADA. It would be a pleasure to continue to give back to an organization that has given me a great deal.

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: 4 years

National Offices Held and Accomplishments Achieved While in Office:

• Chair, Membership Committee, 2006-2008

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

• Presenter, Pennsylvania Drive-In, 2006
• Presenter, Region 2 Conference, 2007

Committee/Task Force/Advisory Board Activities and Accomplishments:

• Member, New Leader Orientation Task Force, 2007-present

Commission/Interest Group Activities and Accomplishments:

• Current member — Multicultural Concerns Commission, Advising Student Athletes Commission, First-Generation College Student Advising Interest Group, LArge Universities Interest Group

Other:

• Academic Advising Today publication, 2005 Learning Communities and Educational Reform publication, 2007
• Presenter, NACADA Annual Conference, 2007