Candidate Statements

Candidate Statements for 2024-2025 Elections

President Elect 2024-2025 (Select ONE)

Jenny, Feysa, University of West Florida

Hello everyone! I am the Associate Director of Advising for the School of Education at UWF. I also advise the Education Doctorate and the Education Specialist students. I have over 21 years of higher education experience in multiple campus roles. 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 skill set, from the novice to the seasoned professional. We all share a service mentality and an unmatched enthusiasm for learning. I am a perpetual student of academic advising, and because of ECAAN’s and NACADA’s connections and resources, I continue to hone existing skills and pick up new ones nearly every day.

I have been privileged to serve our ECAAN members as a Member at Large and as Treasurer, and it would be my absolute honor to continue to serve our ECAAN members as the President-Elect for this organization that means so very much to all of us. Together, we can harness our strengths and draw together our collective talents and visions in a collaborative effort to discover new, creative, and innovative ways to best advocate for our students.

Josh Goldman, University of South Alabama

My name is Joshua Goldman, and I am honored to be nominated to serve ECAAN, which has provided wonderful growth for me over the past 3 years, both in development of advising technique and in community with advisors from other institutions. For the past 3 years, I have served at the University of South Alabama, beginning in the Admission's Office, and now serving as an Academic Advisor II, advising first and second year students for all majors, as well as pre-health, pre-law, and transfer student demographics.

As I have grown as an advisor, I have embraced my core advising principles of collaboration, strategic planning, and student-centered support. I have worked diligently to create an environment where students feel valued and empowered. By fostering meaningful relationships and open communication, I strive to ensure that every student feels seen and supported on their unique journey. I have reinforced these principles by pursuing opportunities to develop my advising technique, such as Coach-Well, Lead-Well coaching certification and Appreciative Advising certification. In addition, I am the current sitting Communications Coordinator of SouthALACADA, which provides professional development and programming for advisors at U.S.A to help foster the educational growth of the academic advising community across campus.

Andrea Holiday, Columbia Southern

Andrea began her work in academia at Washington University in St. Louis, where she provided support for doctorate students in medical research. She quickly developed a passion for inspiring academic success, which she brought with her when she relocated to Alabama, and became an Academic Advisor at Columbia Southern University. As an active member of the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) and the Emerald Coast Academic Advising Network (ECAAN), Andrea frequently attends advising conferences and contributes to the field by giving presentations and writing book reviews.

Member at Large 2024-2026 (Select ONE)

Michele Fero, University of West Florida

Michele has been an academic advisor for over 10 years, working in two-year and four-year institutions. She has provided guidance to a diverse group of students across a wide range of majors, helping them navigate their journeys through higher education. With a deep commitment to student success, Michele loves helping all learners achieve academic, personal, and professional aspirations.

Kimberlee Glover, Univeresity of West Florida

My name is Kimberlee Glover and I am an Academic Advisor with the Usha Kunda, MD College of Health at the University of West Florida. I have been in this role twice with UWF. First time was 2017-2019 and returned to UWF in 2021. In 2019, I moved to New Orleans to care for my father in law and worked as an Academic Advisor at Delgado Community College. I began my career in Higher Education at Pensacola State College in 2011 and have held several different roles in Student and Academic Affairs. I currently advise undergraduate Pre BSN, BSN, Public Health students; as well as graduate students in the Masters of Public Health and Masters in Science of Nursing programs. I love advising students and helping them reach their educational goals. I am currently a Member At Large for ECAAN (one year term) and I am an active member of NACADA. I presented at the first ECAAN Conference in 2018. I was Vice President of the College of Health Staff Council for 2023- 2024 and served on the initial committee to establish our Staff Council. I serve as Chair of the Training & Development Committee for our Advising Center. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Management with a Healthcare Concentration and I am working on a Graduate Certificate for Higher Education Administration. Outside of campus I enjoy relaxing on the beach, live music, and visiting my three children, who live in California and Indiana.

Josh Goldman, University of South Alabama

Wayne Hagan, Univeresity of West Florida

I completed my bachelor's and master's at Old Dominion University, where I participated in ODAN (Old Dominion Advising Network). After completing my graduate program, I moved to Pensacola where I've been in advising at Pensacola State College and the University of West Florida. I'm excited to get involved in a regional network that supports advisors so they can support students.

Andrea Holiday, Columbia Southern

Kora Myers, University of South Alabama

Hi! I am Kora Myers and I am an Academic Advisor I in the Academic Advising and Transfer Services office. I have been with AATS for over a year and have managed caseloads of 250-320 students for advising. With these students I assist in creating academic plans that ensure on-time graduation, successful SMART goals for their dreams and aspirations, connect them to our wonderful campus resources, and help them develop meaningful professional relationships. In my approach to advising, I hope to help students develop character and soft skills through their experiences here at USA.
I also run the office’s social media page. In running our social media I aspire to place important information in front of our students and engage with them. It is important for us to engage with students not just on a professional level, but on a human level! I have gained a wealth of knowledge over this last year and I hope to now become more involved as Member-at-Large for ECAAN.

Wanda Polintz, Columbia Southern University

With 15 years of dedicated service at Columbia Southern University, Wanda Polnitz has made significant contributions across multiple departments, including Student Accounts and the Registrar's Office. Her extensive experience encompasses roles as Academic Advisor I and II, Supervisor, Team Manager, and currently, Team Lead. Wanda is recognized for her commitment to student success and her ability to foster collaborative team environments, earning her respect as a leader within the university community. In addition to her work at CSU, Wanda is actively involved with the Education Council of Alabama (ECCAN) and the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA), where she contributes to initiatives that promote academic advising excellence. She also serves as a leadership point of contact for the Professional Growth and Development Committee, further showcasing her dedication to professional development and support for her colleagues. Wanda’s passion for education and leadership continues to drive her efforts in enhancing student experiences and fostering growth within her team.

Kesha Tabysheva, Columbia Southern University

Kesha has a diverse professional and life background, which includes advising online students at Columbia Southern University (CSU), anthropological research in Russia, and accounting in Kyrgyzstan. She obtained an MBA with a concentration in Finance from CSU.
Being a parent, having a first-hand adult learning experience as an ELL student, and belonging to the military-affiliated community, Kesha understands the need of a personalized advising approach to each student. Kesha enjoys reading, CrossFit, training for triathlon, and most of all, spending time with her family.

Secretary 2024-2026 (Select ONE)

Bria Cox, University of South Alabama

Bria is an Academic Advisor II at AATS. She is a two-time USA Alum and has worked for the University for 5 years. She received her Bachelor’s in Professional Health Sciences and Master’s in Educational Leadership. In her role as an advisor, she mainly advises for Engineering, Computing, Studio Art, Biology, Communication and leads in Pre-Professional Social Work, Pre-nursing, and Pre-Law. Bria also serves as the SouthALACADA President at the University of South Alabama. In addition, she is a part-time instructor for a First Year Experience class.

Emerald Coast Academic Advising Network

An Allied Organization of