In aligning with the strategic goals of NACADA, I believe that Region 10 could be doing much more to promote scholarship within our area. As a part of the Region 10 steering committee, I've put forth a notion that is currently being developed to provide research grants to individuals within our region.  Offering funding, while a great start, is not sufficient enough to promote research and scholarship. As the Chair of Region 10, I would hope to formulate research groups that inspire collaboration between institutions on topics of interest within the region. Research does have the potential to be fairly inexpensive and, dare I say it, enjoyable for those involved. While some research is currently occurring within the region, I do believe that a stronger focus would not only benefit our region, but also the field of Academic Advising.

One disheartening item that I have learned is that there are several advisors in NACADA (and in our region!) that would love the opportunity to attend and... Display More...

In aligning with the strategic goals of NACADA, I believe that Region 10 could be doing much more to promote scholarship within our area. As a part of the Region 10 steering committee, I've put forth a notion that is currently being developed to provide research grants to individuals within our region.  Offering funding, while a great start, is not sufficient enough to promote research and scholarship. As the Chair of Region 10, I would hope to formulate research groups that inspire collaboration between institutions on topics of interest within the region. Research does have the potential to be fairly inexpensive and, dare I say it, enjoyable for those involved. While some research is currently occurring within the region, I do believe that a stronger focus would not only benefit our region, but also the field of Academic Advising.

One disheartening item that I have learned is that there are several advisors in NACADA (and in our region!) that would love the opportunity to attend and even present at our conferences, but find themselves unable to do so for time or financial restraints. The current webinar series offered by NACADA is fantastic, but I would want to take it a step further and potentially offer conference sessions through online streaming in our region (this is already getting close to happening as live tweeting is becoming more popular in sessions).  In my background in counseling education, I was able to participate and present in a conference that was completely online through the Second Life virtual reality program. It was well attended (with numbers exceeding our Regional Conference numbers) and even had presenters from other countries sharing ideas and thoughts on research.

Finally, I would strive to integrate the different interest groups and commissions within our region. This has to mean more than inviting them to host a table at a regional conference (though this should absolutely be done!). It would mean encouraging and inviting conference proposals from these areas. It would mean hosting community discussions on these topics throughout the year. This past year, our Facebook group has finally gained some footing as a community. This is a resource that should be utilized to connect, engage, and share information regarding the various avenues of Academic Advising.

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When I first started at Arizona State University, I was tasked with developing a freshmen retention initiative. The result was the Ignite Freshmen Retreat.  For me, this was a huge and daunting undertaking to handle. There were so many small nuances to keep in mind while developing the program. Busses needed to be chartered, a camp location needed to be secured, student leaders needed to be selected and trained, programming needed to be developed, and so much more. This was certainly in the "other duties as assigned" part of my job description! Through the process, I learned that great things often start out as daunting until you break it down and take it step by step. The end result was a fantastic experience that is now entering its third year. The qualitative data gained from the participants has been absolutely wonderful with nearly every student having positive experiences.

I also could not have succeeded without the help of those around me. My colleagues were there to offer support... Display More...

When I first started at Arizona State University, I was tasked with developing a freshmen retention initiative. The result was the Ignite Freshmen Retreat.  For me, this was a huge and daunting undertaking to handle. There were so many small nuances to keep in mind while developing the program. Busses needed to be chartered, a camp location needed to be secured, student leaders needed to be selected and trained, programming needed to be developed, and so much more. This was certainly in the "other duties as assigned" part of my job description! Through the process, I learned that great things often start out as daunting until you break it down and take it step by step. The end result was a fantastic experience that is now entering its third year. The qualitative data gained from the participants has been absolutely wonderful with nearly every student having positive experiences.

I also could not have succeeded without the help of those around me. My colleagues were there to offer support along the way where needed.  From attending student leader interviews to sometimes offering an ear to listen to my worries, they were always there for support. For them, I am thankful! Even when you often feel alone as a leader, you rarely are. You are a part of a team.

Additionally, the students involved in mentor positions made the difference with this program. Through their training with me, they learned to trust each other, the process, and me. For me, this was the most important part of making this program successful. In life and in these programs, the unexpected can often happen. If you have a solid team, then it makes sailing over rough waters go much smoother.

Does any of this qualify me to be the Chair of Region 10? It is hard for me to say.  I have learned the importance of empowering and trusting others to achieve jointly made goals. In looking back at my life, I have often served in the background to make bigger events happen. I would certainly look forward to seeing what we could accomplish together if elected to this position.  Display Less...