Voices from the Leadership of Academic Advising
In this article, we present the results of interviews with past presidents of NACADA (the National ACademic ADvising Association), who responded to nine questions about the strengths, achievements, challenges, and obstacles faced during their presidencies. The presidents also had an opportunity to discuss a critical incident, people who were helpful, and the possible future for advisors and the association. The academic advising association grew out of a need felt by administrators and advisors throughout the country. These interviews suggest that NACADA has flourished because it was the right idea at the right time and headed by selfless leaders who championed its cause.
Contributor Notes
Terry Kuhn (tkuhn@kent.edu) was Professor of Music and Vice Provost when he retired from Kent State University in 2003. His faculty advising load averaged 30 undergraduate and graduate students. Dr. Kuhn directed dissertations, edited 2 music journals, coauthored 3 books, wrote chapters for 6 books, and published 15 adjudicated research articles. He co-edited the NACADA Journal for 6 years.
Gary M. Padak (gpadak@kent.edu) is Dean of Undergraduate Studies at Kent State University where he has served since 1985 in a variety of instructional and administrative roles. His work with students ranges from regularly teaching and advising first-year students to directing doctoral dissertations. Dr. Padak is currently co-editor of the NACADA Journal and has been principal investigator or team member for 30 federal and state of Ohio grants totaling over $15 million since 1989.
