Maureen Smith, M.S. ’91, director of enrollment and transition services for the Illinois State College of Education, has been elected to serve as the advising education majors chair for the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA). NACADA aspires to be the premier global association for the development and dissemination of theory, research and practice of academic advising in higher education.
Smith has served as an advisor for aspiring educators for almost 20 years, and previously taught at the junior high, high school and community college levels.
As chair, Smith will provide leadership for the NACADA membership on education and will guide the dialogue for fellow education advisors across the nation.
“(Maureen Smith) will have an incredible impact on education advisors on the local, state and national levels,” said College of Education Dean, Perry Schoon.
Smith’s experience at Illinois State, one of the largest, most successful educator preparation programs in the nation, will add a valuable perspective to the association. Throughout her time in the field, she has placed an emphasis on collaboration and communication, a mindset she plans to take to NACADA.
“I am highly encouraged for the opportunity to contribute to the conversation, and to help unite all voices, industry experts, and institutions from across the U.S.,” she said. “The time is now to find creative ways to assist students in the demanding and increasingly complex field of advisement for educator preparation.”
