Candidate for President-elect 2017-2018
Elect one:
Patrick Walsh
Associate Director of Admissions
Illinois State University
Education:
- B.S. in Criminal Justice Sciences, Illinois State University
- M.S. in Educational Administration and Foundations, Illinois State University
IACAC Member: 13 years (2004–present)
IACAC Activities:
- Strategic Plan Ad Hoc Committee (2015–2016)
- Finance Committee Chair (2011–2013), Member (2013–2015)
- Professional Development and Grants Committee Chair (2011–2013)
- IACAC Treasurer (2011–2013)
- Molly K. Arnold President’s Service Recognition Award (2011)
- Chief Delegate (2010–2011)
- Conference On-Site Committee Member (2010)
- Publications Ad Hoc Committee Member (2009–2011)
- Summer Institute Co-Chair (2009)
- Conference On-site Co-Chair (2009)
- Executive Board Member, College Delegate (2008–2011)
- News Brief Editorial Committee Member (2008)
- James A. Alexander Newcomer Award Recipient (2007)
- Hospitality Volunteer (2006, 2007)
- Registration Volunteer (2006)
- Government Relations Springfield Trip Participant (2006, 2007, 2012–2015)
- Government Relations Committee Member (2005–2007)
- North Central District Seminar, Committee Member (2005, 2006)
- Central Districts Seminar Co-Chair (2007)
- Annual Conference Program Committee Co-Chair (2007, 2008)
NACAC Activities:
- Delegate (2008–2011)
Other Professional Activities:
- Attended the Academy of College Counseling 101 (2006)
- Attended the Academy of College Counseling 201 (2007)
- Illinois State University Administrative Professional Emerging Leader (2009)
Considering the recently adopted strategic plan for IACAC, what do you hope to achieve within this role as it pertains to the objectives of the new plan?
Honestly, I feel that all of the goals and objectives outlined in the Strategic Plan deserve my attention in this role. I also see it as the collective responsibility of the President-Elect, President and Past-President to develop a clear plan to achieve as many of these goals as possible through the work and leadership of the Executive Board, Committee Chairs and committee members.
As President-Elect, I hope to work closely with the Treasurers to continue to look for new sources of revenue to further expand grant opportunities for members and non-members and give back in meaningful ways to our membership and the students. I would like to assist in building the brand and reputation of IACAC in the media, with legislators and in our communities as a trusted resource on secondary and post-secondary education issues. I want to continue to grow the membership of IACAC with attention to the many aspects of diversity and inclusion outlined in the Strategic Plan.
Overall, I think the success or failure of any strategic plan is contingent upon how often the goals and objectives are utilized in the decision making process of the organization. While this may sound simple, I believe it is important to refer to our Strategic Plan as often as possible as a checkpoint to ensure IACAC is working towards its long term goals. In the role of President-elect, I will encourage regular reviews to keep the Strategic Plan updated and relevant to the work that is being accomplished. Consistent feedback from membership on the goals and objectives we are meeting and the areas that we need to improve should inform where our efforts should be focused in the future.
If elected, what experiences, skills, and qualities do you bring to this specific position?
I am truly honored to be nominated for this position and excited about the prospect of serving IACAC in this capacity. My involvement with IACAC and NACAC have provided valuable opportunities to interact with and learn from colleagues with experiences, backgrounds and jobs very different from my own. I am grateful for the individuals who have taken time to challenge, educate, mentor and encourage me during my career. My growth and development as a professional is a direct result of other people investing and believing in me. Investing in people and providing opportunities to lead are two pieces I think are vital to this position and the success of this organization.
My experiences on the Executive Board as Treasurer and Delegate helped me build a strong foundation of how IACAC operates and the roles and responsibilities of the different committees and board members. I have a deep understanding of our budget coupled with our fiscal responsibility to members and the students we serve. My time as a Delegate broadened my perspective on the challenges we will face and the national and global influence our profession has on higher education reform. My roles on the Executive Board made me more organized, detail oriented, collaborative, transparent and engaged in my work. All skills that I believe will translate well to the President-Elect position.
Finally, my thirteen years in the Admissions Office at Illinois State University have been significant in my development as a leader. I have held numerous positions with increasing responsibilities in areas of recruitment, enrollment management, marketing & communications, operations, and technology. Taking on these new roles stretched me as a professional, tested my decision making ability and resulted in opportunities to grow, to fail and to learn. The support I have received throughout my career from my mentors, colleagues and staff have helped me adapt to change and navigate transitions successfully. As President- Elect, I want to continue to provide a supportive environment where our members feel valued and empowered to create change. Thank you for your consideration.
Thank you for your consideration.
