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K-State Today

October 24, 2013

K-State faculty, academic advisors present at international conference

Submitted by Maxine Coffey

Ten Kansas State University academic advisors and faculty members recently presented at the 37th annual conference of NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising Oct. 6-9 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The conference was attended by more than 2,800 academic advisors, faculty members and academic advising administrators from colleges and universities across the United States as well as 13 other countries. Debbie Mercer, dean of the College of Education, gave the welcome on behalf of K-State at the opening general session of the conference.

Presenting at the conference from K-State were:

  • Keith Powers, academic advisor in the College of Education, “Academic Advising Assessment Practices: Implications of a National Survey";
  • Tami Duch, Nancy Habluetzel, Julie Hunt, Angelia Perry and Sheryl Peters, academic advisors in the College of Arts and Sciences, “Advising Full Throttle: 8 Transformational Strategies to Guide First Generation Students to Graduation";
  • Ken Hughey, professor of special education counseling and student affairs and Dan Wilcox, assistant professor of special education counseling and student affairs, “Taking Your Career Advising to New Heights: A Case Study Approach”;
  • Donna Menke, assistant professor of special education counseling and student affairs and Robert Pettay, instructor of kinesiology, “Elevate Advisor Morale: An Exploration of the Causes of Low Morale and Suggestions for Improvement.” Pettay also presented “Motivational Interviewing in Advising.”

K-State sent 18 faculty members and academic advisors to participate in the conference, including the 10 presenters.

Mike Holen, professor in the College of Education, was present to recognize the recipient of NACADA's Michael C. Holen Pacesetter Award, which is presented annually to the chief executive officer, provost or chief academic or student affairs officer who best exemplifies a commitment to academic advising. Susie Brubaker-Cole, associate provost for academic success and engagement at Oregon State University, was the 2013 award recipient.

NACADA promotes and supports quality academic advising in institutions of higher education to enhance the educational development of students, and provides a forum for discussion, debate and the exchange of ideas pertaining to academic advising through numerous activities and publications. The 12,000-member international association based at K-State also serves as an advocate for effective academic advising by providing a consulting and speaker service and funding for research related to academic advising.