​Candidate Statements for 2019-2020 Elections

President Elect 2019-2020 (Select ONE)

• Susan Drahos, University of West Florida 

I have been an Academic Advisor at UWF for four years. I have worked with undergraduate and graduate students in both restricted programs as well as open programs. I have also worked with a limited access program previously for two years. My work with non profit organizations has been in both the paid and volunteer roles with a combined 20 years of experience.  I have also served as the chair of the walk committee for the Arthritis Foundation in Pensacola and previously on the board for the Arthritis Foundation in Duluth, MN. While in Duluth I also served on the board of directors for two non-profit theater companies with the final two years as president. While the time with the theater companies was vastly different from ECAAN, it has helped prepare me to serve as president elect for you. I would love the opportunity to work with all of you to bring our community of advisors together in support of one another and to learn from one another

Treasurer/Membership Chair (Select ONE)

• Robin Jones, University of West Florida

I am Robin Jones from the University of West Florida. I have just completed the inaugural term as ECAAN’s Treasurer/Membership Chair. I have been a member of NACADA since 2013 attended my first NACADA regional conference in spring 2014. I have presented numerous times at various local, regional, and national conferences, recruitment events, university workshops and programs on topics related to academic advising. Currently as the Honors Assistant Director in the Kugelman Honors Program, I oversee annual scholarship allocations over $300,000 and provide oversight for student organization and departmental spending. I would like to continue to serve on the board and provide continuity to our efforts of building the Emerald Coast Academic Advising Network in our region. 

• Diana McCullough, Coastal Alabama Community College

I am a 15 year employee of Coastal Alabama Community College. I have worked the last 5 years as a Counselor. I enjoy being involved in work activities as well as community/state committees and organizations. I am very organized and I am used to multitasking. 

Member at Large 2019-2021 (Select No More Than TWO)

• Stephanie Fenner, University of West Florida

I feel the best way to be on the 'cutting edge' of what's happening in an industry is to be involved with organizations like ECAAN. Being a member at large will provide many opportunities to collaborate and further advance the organization and its community.  

• Jenny Feysa, University of West Florida

I am the primary academic advisor for the University of West Florida’s Ed.D. and Ed.S. programs and have seventeen years of higher education experience. I am exceedingly grateful to be part of ECAAN and would love nothing more than to harness my passion for advising and student success for the overall benefit and furtherance of ECAAN’s mission and goals. Advocating for students requires an academic advisor to be many things; teacher, supporter, encourager, counselor, organizer, communicator, friend, go-to person, facilitator, learner, and advocate. Participating in advising organizations with others in our profession presents an intriguing platform for any advisor no matter their experience or skillset, from the novice to the seasoned professional. We all share a service mentality and an unmatched enthusiasm for learning. I am in a perpetual state of being a student of academic advising, and because of ECAAN’s and NACADA’s connections and resources, I hone existing skills and pick up new ones nearly every day. It would be my infinite honor to serve as a Member at Large for this organization that means so very much to all of us and help to draw together our collective talents and visions in a collaborative effort to discover new, creative, and innovative ways to best advocate for our students.

• Mike Genovese, University of West Florida
  

I have been a member of the University of West Florida advising community for over five years. I have had a great experience being apart of ECAAN as a presenter and attendee. I am interested in being apart of the ECAAN Leadership Team because it is an excellent opportunity to showcase my skills and assist in the training and development of academic advisors. My experience and education have taught me the value of group collaboration, project management, teamwork. I know that I will be a great asset to the team and hopefull at the opportunity to help serve ECAAN and its members.

---

Emerald Coast Academic Advising Network

An Allied Organization of