Alyssa Coats, assistant director of Advising and Retention at East Texas A&M University, has been named Interim Region 7 Chair for NACADA. NACADA, known as the “Global Community for Academic Advising,” is the premier association for academic advisors and other higher education professionals in the U.S.

“I'm genuinely excited to step back into this leadership role with NACADA because it allows me to collaborate with advisors across the region while representing East Texas A&M,” Coats said. “Advising is deeply relational work, and I'm proud to be part of a professional community that supports advisors so they can better support students.”

Coats was selected following an appointment process conducted by NACADA to fill a recent vacancy in the Region 7 chair position. She will serve the remainder of the 2025-2027 term, providing leadership for the South-Central Region. In her role, she will continue efforts to support members and advance Region 7 initiatives. Coats' appointment reflects her significant professional achievement and proven leadership at East Texas A&M.

Dr. Ryan Erck, assistant vice provost for Student Success, emphasized the positive impact of skilled academic advisors:

“Effective academic advising is foundational to student success and retention, and it is a critical component of what it means to be a truly student-ready institution,” he said. “Alyssa's appointment to this role reflects not only her expertise and commitment, but also East Texas A&M's growing reputation as a campus with advising professionals who are leaders in the field.”

NACADA supports student success in several ways, including the NACADA Excellence in Academic Advising program. Members benefit from training and professional development programs, networking opportunities, consulting services, and other resources. NACADA's Region 7 covers Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas.

Through its networks and regions, NACADA fosters collaboration, leadership development, and innovation among academic advisors, benefiting both advisors and the students they serve. The organization has 14,000 members nationwide.