I have been of this commission since 2006. I have attended committee meetings and social outings at the Annual Conferences in 2006, 2007 and 2008. I am currently part of the Safe Zone sub-committee, Web site sub-committee and "Advisors On Call" sub-committee. I have also created a Facebook group for the Commission as another form of communication between Commission members.

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?

Being aware of LGBTQ issues that affect our LGBTQ student population and our colleagues.  Today's LGBTQ student needs are ever changing due to multiple factors such as political issues and media portrayal. The Commission has done a fantastic job in educating colleagues about working with LGBTQ students. Education needs to continue through presentations, podcasts, webinars, articles, etc. Also, collaborating with other commissions/interest groups would increase the educational efforts.

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

My passions for academic advising and LGBTQ advocacy would be connected. Combine my passions with a desire to serve NACADA, encouragement from commission members & NACADA leaders, and feedback from the LGBTQ presentations I have co-presented. For these reasons, I am honored to accept the nomination for the LGBTA Concerns 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. 

Before you read additional information, I want to thank you for taking the time to read my platform!

When starting my position as Coordinator of Advising for the College of Arts & Sciences in October 2009, I was given this advice from my previous supervisor: "Prioritize and learn." Her advice has helped tremendously, not only with having to establish a new professional advising unit, but with leadership as a whole. I would like to use the advice that was given, along with the knowledge I have gained from past and current leadership experiences from both within and outside NACADA to assist with the established and future goals and expectations for the Commission, in concert with NACADA's Core Values.

Past Involvement in NACADA:

Years in NACADA: 4 years

National Offices Held and Accomplishments Achieved While in Office:

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

• Attended the Region 5 Conference in 2007, 2008, 2009
  
• Co-Presented at the Region 5 Conference in 2007, 2008
  
• Member, Region 5 Conference Communications Committee, 2008

Committee/Task Force/Advisory Board Activities and Accomplishments:

• Region V Representative, NACADA Membership Committee, 2008-2010

Commission/Interest Group Activities and Accomplishments:

• Current Member: LGBTA Concerns Commission, Advising Administration Commission, Liberal Arts Advisors Commission, Advisor Training & Development Commission 

Other:

• NACADA activities:
  
  • Attended the Annual Conference in 2006, 2007, 2008
    
  • Co-Presented at the Annual Conference in 2007, 2008 (Pre-Conferences: Safe Zone Training)
    
  • Attended Summer Institute in 2007
    
  • Outstanding New Advisor Award Winner in 2007
    
  • Emerging Leaders Program, class of 2008-2010
    
• University of Southern Indiana activities:
  
  • Student Organization Advisor for USI Spectrum, 2005-2009
    
  • Chair of the Exploring Majors Fair, 2008
    
• Southern Illinois University Edwardsville activities:
  
  • Safe Zone member, 2009-present
    
  • Advising Council member, 2009-present
    
  • Transfer Advisory Group member, 2009-present