The Director of Academic Support Services at American University of Sharjah (AUS), Dr. Mehvash Ali, has been elected to the leadership position of the Board of Directors within NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising. Dr. Ali is the first person from the country and the region to be elected to this prestigious position and her three-year term will commence in October 2020.

NACADA provides strong support for individuals dedicated to delivering high quality academic advising on campuses. Dr. Ali has been associated with NACADA since 2012. She completed their Emerging Leaders Program and was on the International Perspectives Seat in the Professional Development Committee (PDC) from October 2016 to 2018. During her term, the PDC developed the Core Competencies for Academic Advising.

Dr. Ali has also been part of NACADA’s Academic Advising Consultant and Speaker Services since 2017, served on the Inclusion and Engagement Committee and been a keynote Speaker for their International Conference in Sheffield in 2017 and the Region 8 Conference in 2020. She is currently the Chair of the Global Initiatives Committee and has helped launch the Visiting Advisor Program, the NACADA Friends Network and the NACADA Global Lounge. 

NACADA President Erin Justyna and Executive Director Charlie L. Nutt thanked Dr. Ali for her support in continuing to promote the development of students through effective advising programs and personal attention and said:

“Being elected to this leadership position is not only a fine tribute by one's peers but is also recognition of significant professional contributions to and excellence in the field of academic advising.”

Speaking of how her association with NACADA has helped AUS and her students, Dr. Ali said:

“Through my involvement in NACADA, I have been able to bring international best practices in advising to AUS. We have used NACADA resources to train AUS advisors for several years. Additionally, my involvement has helped to put AUS advising practices on the global map. As a result, other universities and organizations in the region have sought out trainings from our department.”

Dr. Ali helped launch the Visiting Advisor Program, which provides opportunities for international advisor exchanges and collaborative research across the globe.

“Through my involvement with the Board of Directors, I plan to ensure that the needs of the global members are represented in the strategic planning, allocation of resources, financial planning, policy making and other activities that are undertaken by the board. I plan to ensure that NACADA is intentional in its commitment to being the global community of academic advisors.”

NACADA was chartered as a non-profit organization in 1979 to promote quality academic advising and professional development of its membership to ensure the educational development of students. Since that beginning, NACADA has grown to over 14,000 members, representing over 30 countries, consisting of faculty members, professional advisors, administrators, counselors, and others in academic and student affairs concerned with the intellectual, personal and vocational needs of students. In addition, NACADA is the representative and advocate of academic advising and those providing that service to higher education.