FSE SGA Executive Board Application Questions - 1 - Nova ...

Marline Whigham
1. Why do you want to be involved with the inaugural FSE SGA?
There are several types of institution of higher education and each has the responsibility to be
ready to meet the challenges of the 21 st century college students. NSU has so far being able to
meet the needs of their students. Institutional leaders must be accountable in making sure the
educational system within their university or colleges engages, and prepares students to meet the
global challenges ahead. Being a part of SGA at NSU will afford me this opportunity to be a part
of NSU transformational leadership team, whereby leaders make use of principles that
consistently keep transforming both leadership as well as followers. This will help me work
towards long term objectives while retaining personal principals and human values.
2. How are you qualified to serve as an SGA member?
I have function in the role of nurse educator for four years at NSU, College of Nursing. With my
past experience and current involvement in research along with course work I have taken has
prepared me to function in this position. I have outstanding work ethic and commitment to high
professional standards. I work hard to get the respect of my colleagues and students both
personally and professionally. I have also serves on several committees within the CON. I am
currently enrolled in a leadership program that is preparing me to be more equipped to meet the
everyday challenges that leaders faces. My ability to adapt the skills that I had acquired from
previous job experiences would allow me to excel and adapt rather quickly in this position, and I
bring one of the most important factors that would be needed to function in this position is the
ability to communicate well with students and leaders. I strive always to demonstrate active
listening skills, communication skill, and an inherent attraction to problem solving made for an

effective arrangement of attributes needed in this position. The most important aspect of any
leadership role is communication.
3. If elected, what will be your priorities and how will these serve the student population?
I understand the student affairs departments’ goal is to provide supportive environment in
helping students to succeed academically and socially. Currently, as a nurse educator this is what
I contributed to the success of my students. Student success is priority. Success is measured
differently for different individuals. In my Student Affairs role if elected, one way I could
measure success for my students is by knowing they will have challenges, I will assist in making
sure they know how to seek help and find resources, and then I look forward to each semester
when I am greeted with their smiling faces knowing they are one step closer to their academic
goals.
A successful student means more than simply making it to graduation. A successful
student enters the workforce as a knowledgeable leader. A successful student takes with them not
just the assignments and lectures, but the experiences and friendships they have earned. A
successful student has confidence in their expertise. A successful student has developed their
own life path and uses the knowledge they have gained to navigate it. Second, Cultural diversity
is one of the biggest issue facing universities today. Having the understanding of cultural
difference and able to promote this would be a second priority. Communication sometime can be
a barrier in implementing change. Therefore, a third prior would to establishing an open line of
communication within the department, among the leaders, staff, the student body and SGA.

4.The mission statement of Student Affairs at the Student Education Centers is “To foster
student success and a University community.” How will you assist in ensuring that the
mission is accomplished at Abraham S. Fischler School of Education?
At Nova Southeastern University (NSU), the mission of Student Affairs is to foster
student success and to provide a supportive University community to help accomplish that goal.
This semester I am completing one of my last courses which is the dynamic of student services.
In doing my research, I have come to realize how important student services is to success of
NSU students. Being a student myself has given me the courage, and passion for wanting to be
more involved. I would like to be in a position where my participation and perspective help in
providing a supportive student body which will aide in the success of students at NSU. In
adhering to the strategic plan of NSU, and continuing to consistently use educational resources
are also ways to assist in ensuring the mission is accomplished.