Senior Academic Advisor Rebecca Hapes now has another title to add to her resume –National Chair for the Advising Graduate and Professional Students Commission.
Hapes was elected this position in early 2013 and assumed the position during the National Academic Advising Association’s (NACADA) annual meeting in early October held at Salt Lake City. The committee is comprised of those who advise graduate and post-baccalaureate and professional students and provides a collegial and mutually supportive context for discussing issues concerning graduate and professional students.
Hapes said this is her first titled leadership position within the organization. She has served on various commissions, interest groups, as well as the Professional Development Commission Steering Committee.
During her career with the Department, Hapes has been member of several organizations, including the University Advisors and Counselors, where she has served many roles, including President, Vice President for Programs, Symposium Planning Committee Member Advisor Briefing Day(s) Planning Committee Member and member of the Program Planning Committee, among others within that organization. Additionally, she currently serves as a member of the Executive Board for the ATMentors.
She also has received numerous awards from both NACADA and Texas A&M during her career, including the Ed Guthrie Advisor Award, Robert M. Gates Inspiration Award, and the Vice Chancellor’s Award in Excellence for Student Counseling and Relations. She also received the Region VI Outstanding Advisor- Primary Role Award and the Outstanding Advising Certificate of Merit – Primary Advising category from the NACADA.
Hapes said that the position will help provide increased visibility for the University on a national platform for advising and to provide her with an opportunity to work closely with other professionals that are advising graduate and/or professional students to help improve the Department’s advising programs as a whole.
“It is an honor to be able to serve the NACADA organization and its members and to advance both the goals of this commission and the organization in this manner,” she said.
Hapes will be in her leadership position with the NACADA until October 2015.