I have been a professional academic advisor in Idaho and Montana for ten years, and a NACADA member for eight years. I also currently serve as an active member of the Region 8 Steering Committee.  Being part of the steering committee the past three years has allowed me to become familiar with Region 8's bylaws, initiatives, leadership, and members.  Meeting via telephone conference every few months to discuss goals and objectives for Region 8 has resulted in many efforts, including bringing a regional awards program and regional scholarships to conferences.  

Most recently, I was the Region 8 Conference Chair, overseeing the coordination of the 2009 conference in Missoula, Montana. I am very proud to have managed such a successful conference, the first time ever the region has met in Montana.

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?

Region 8 is the largest NACADA region in land mass, but the smallest in membership. If elected as Region 8 Chair, I will continue the efforts of the current Region 8 leadership in recruiting and retaining new members throughout the region. NACADA has a wealth of professional development information and opportunities for both new and seasoned advisors, and is a great way for advisors to come together and support each other. During these difficult economic times, I believe it is even more important for academic advisors to support each other and be a voice for our students and institutions.
 
I also believe in Region 8's current charge of expanding diversity in its membership throughout the region. As a member of the Region 8 steering committee, I have and will continue to reach out to tribal schools and other diversity groups to share the wonderful benefits of NACADA involvement. In addition, reaching out to faculty and graduate students will continue to be a priority for Region 8 leadership. And NACADA's Emerging Leaders program has been a huge success. I plan to encourage further involvement in the program from Region 8 members.

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

NACADA has been instrumental in helping me become a better advisor, and has helped me grow personally through the friendships formed through my association with NACADA.  I wish for others who share my passion for helping students to benefit both personally and professionally as I have through this wonderful organization.

As a NACADA leader in Montana for the past several years, I have enjoyed leading Montana advisors to more awareness and recognition of NACADA. I am proud to have organized an annual statewide conference where, for the first time, academic advisors from across the state of Montana are meeting once a year to network, learn, and achieve new goals in advising.  I would like to expand my leadership at the regional level so that I can take the skills I've developed and apply them to regional goals and initiatives.

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. 

In addition to my ten years of experience with advising and with NACADA, I have worked as a counselor in the mental health field.  I have a Master’s degree in Counseling and Human Services and Bachelor’s in Psychology, both from the University of Idaho.  Together, my education and experience in mental health and higher education has given me the listening and understanding skills that I believe have made me a better advisor, colleague, and administrator.   I will take these skills into the role of Region Chair and work to make NACADA Region 8 more enhanced for YOU.

Past Involvement in NACADA:

Years in NACADA: 8 years

National Offices Held and Accomplishments Achieved While in Office:

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

• Member, Region 8 Steering Committee 2006-2009:
  • Participated in evaluating and amending Region 8 strategic plan
  • Assisted in planning and promotion of regional events
  • Participated in budget discussion and allocation
• Montana liaison to NACADA, 2006-2009:
  • Initiated annual statewide conference in 2005.
  • Continue management of annual state conference, recruit and retain Montana NACADA members, and represent Montana on steering committee 
• Chair, 2009 Region 8 Conference, Missoula, MT:
  • Oversaw entire conference planning and organization
  • Appointed subcommittees
  • Assisted region members with proposal submission ideas
• Member, 2009 Region 8 Scholarship selection committee
• Member, 2008 and 2009 Region 8 awards selection committee
• Member, 2008 Region 8 Conference planning committee and presenter, Vancouver, BC

• Presenter, 2008 5th Annual Idaho Advising Symposium, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID

• Member, 2007 Region 8 Conference planning committee and conference attendee, Boise, ID
• Presenter, 2006 Region 8/9 Conference, Honolulu, HI
• Attendee, 2005 Region 8 conference, Portland, OR
• Presenter, 2004 Region 8 Conference and Best of Region presentation winner, Seattle, WA
  

Committee/Task Force/Advisory Board Activities and Accomplishments:

• Member, NACADA Foundations of Advising and Training CD/DVD Content Review Board, January 2006-November 2006

Commission/Interest Group Activities and Accomplishments:

• Current Member: Commission on Undecided and Exploratory Students, Advisor Training & Development Commission, Advising and Academic Coaching Interest Group, High School to College Advising Interest Group

Other:

• Campus activities:

• Serve on campus Academic Advising Council, 2005-present, meet once a month to discuss campus-related advising issues and initiatives
• Teach US 101: First Year Seminar, a discussion-intensive course incorporating academic reading and writing which encourages students to learn critical thinking skills as well as to explore current social issues, 2005-2009
• Coordinate and conduct once-a-semester campus advising workshops for all faculty and professional advisors, 2006-present
• Coordinate advising for campus orientation program-select, train, and mentor orientation leaders for advising
• Created and maintain campus online Advisor Toolkit for use by all faculty and professional advisors
• Presenter, 2004 National Conference, Cincinnati, OH
• Award of Appreciation for Outstanding Inspiration, Support, and Contribution to North Idaho College Student Athletes, 2003-2004
• Women in Higher Education Mentoring Program recipient, 2003-2004