Ann Parker
	University of Arizona Tucson, AZ
	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?

I have not yet been involved in the Education Commission but would like to become more involved in NACADA, and particular with issues relating to advising in education. My office is responsible not only for advising but also for admissions to students to our program and for providing programs and services for all our undergraduate students, so I believe I have a lot to offer 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 ?

The most important goal for this commission is bringing together education advisors to discuss the issues most pressing for us. One current national issue is how to encourage more qualified young people to enter the field of teaching. I believe that this requires a different approach to how we "sell" teaching as a profession.

Another goal is to encourage people in education advising to propose sessions for regional and national conferences to ensure that we continue to have opportunities as advisors and administrators to network, develop professionally, and discuss issues in the field.

Finally, I would like to see this commission reach out to as many education advisors as possible within NACADA.

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

Since I completed my PhD two years ago, I have wanted to become more involved in NACADA, since I believe it is a critical association in promoting academic advising. I prefer to take on leadership roles that involve programs and services, and I believe the commissions are the best opportunities for people to get involved in NACADA.

I believe my strengths are my organizational skills, my ability to involve people in meaningful activities, my speaking and writing skills, and my ability to think outside the box. I believe this skills would help me in the role of commission chair.

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.

While I have not been involved in NACADA at the national level, I enjoyed co-chairing the 2007 Region X Conference in Phoenix, AZ. This conference had the largest attendance of any Region X conference up to that time, and many of the comments we heard from participants were quite positive. I enjoy coming up with new ideas and involving others in projects, and putting on this conference was a wonderful opportunity for me to serve NACADA at the regional level. I look forward to continuing that involvement as a national Commission Chair.

Past Involvement in NACADA:

Years in NACADA: 7 years

National Offices Held and Accomplishments Achieved While in Office

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

• Co-Chair, 2007 Region X conference, Phoenix AZ
• Presenter, Region X Conference: Pre-Conference Workshop, Retention strategies for students

Committee/Task Force/Advisory Board Activities and Accomplishments:

Commission/Interest Group Activities and Accomplishments:

• Member: Advising Education Majors Commission, Advising Administration Commission, First-Generation College Student Advising Interest Group

Other:

• Presenter, 2008 national conference: Admissions to Teacher Preparation Programs
• Presenter, 2006 national conference: From Concept to Creation: The UA's Advising Resource Center