I have been a member of NACADA for five years and am presently an Academic Advisor III in the Honors College at the University of Texas San Antonio. Our goals and daily work involve interaction with "Highly motivated students."   I feel my years of experience with this population provide an interactive perspective that I hope to share with other committee members, who wish to participate in growing and cultivating the awareness of this special group of students in all circles of higher education.

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 student profile at today's four year institution is changing rapidly, partially because of our nations economic adjustments during the past decade. As a result, it is common for the traditional high school student to transition to a Community College to complete core basics before entering a four year institution. With this in mind, I believe we as a unit should entertain discussions on the following ideas of "Advising High Achieving Students":

1. Redefine the term "diverse" as it pertains to High Achieving students. Broaden the term to include various degrees, majors and areas of research as inclusive and relevant on all levels.
2. Expand our knowledge base about Honors programs both on the high school and Community College level that we might provide more cohesive transition programs for students who transfer to four year institutions.

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

I am interested in serving in this leadership position as an opportunity to share insights and experiences with other Academic Advisors who have a heartfelt commitment to understanding the needs of high achieving students, and share a desire to help these students discover their own talents and unique abilities while directing their path academically.

Collaboration, discussion and true dialogue with fellow advisors regarding this common interest would be a privilege.

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. 

My goal in this endeavor is to serve our collaborative efforts as members of NACADA in such a way that it's historic success continues. Goal number 5 of our strategic plan states," Ensure the effectiveness of the NACADA organization."

Individually, we commit to this goal by providing each student we guide academically with our best advising practices on a daily basis. Collectively we accomplish this vision and commitment through the support, friendship and fellowship of our fellow NACADA members.

Past Involvement in NACADA:

Years in NACADA 1 year

National Offices Held and Accomplishments Achieved While in Office:

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

Committee/Task Force/Advisory Board Activities and Accomplishments:

Commission/Interest Group Activities and Accomplishments:

• Current Member: Advising High Achieving Student Commission, Advising Adult Learners Commission, Advising Students with Disabilities Commission, Advisor Training & Development Commission

Other:

• University of Texas-San Antonio activities:
  • Member, Advising Center Director's Council at UTSA- summer 2008 – present -- I serve as the lead Advisor in the Honors College Advising Center. I supervise two full-time Advisors, an Administrative Assistant and Graduate Student. My duties are to manage the all aspects of our Center's daily needs, along with all issues concerning Academic Advising for all Honors College students.
  • Taught a Freshmen Seminar for Honors College students based on Dr. Donald O. Clifton and Dr. Edward Anderson’s book, "Strengths Quest". I taught this course for four years. (fall 2004 - fall 2008) The curriculum was developed as a means of helping students discover their individual strengths as they relate to degree choices and eventually career paths.
  • Developed and presented an Orientation presentation/program based on the requirements and benefits of being a member of the Honors College. (Summers of 2005-2009)
  • Academic Advising Conference Committee - Summer/Fall 2008 -- Responsible for "Call for Programs & Presenters".
• Presenter, Texas Academic Advising Network Conference, February 27-29 2008, "Students Discovering Their Career Strengths through Advising
• Attendee, NACADA Annual Conference, San Antonio, TX, 2009