TAMPA, Fla. (Jan. 28, 2016) - Billie Jo Hamilton, USF Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Planning & Management and Director of University Scholarships & Financial Aid Services, was elected as the new chair of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA). The organization advocates for public policies regarding student access and success, serves as a forum on financial aid issues, and ensures diversity in all activities. It also provides professional development for its nearly 20,000 financial aid administrators.
Hired at USF in May 2008 as director of University Scholarships & Financial Aid, Hamilton is responsible for the award and disbursement of more than $408 million in federal, state, institutional, and private funds to over 39,000 recipients. In April 2014, Hamilton was promoted to Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Planning & Management, which also entails overseeing the university’s strategic enrollment plan for recruitment, enrollment, and admission.
“This is one of those times when others have come to recognize what we’ve known for some time, Billie Jo is one of the outstanding experts in the student financial aid world, “ said Paul Dosal, vice provost of student success. “In this role Billie Jo will make a significant impact in the national discussion over college access and affordability.”
“I am truly honored by the opportunity to represent and lead a professional association that is committed to removing barriers for financially disadvantaged students. The chair position will place me at the forefront of financial aid policy discussions and advocacy initiatives,” said Hamilton. “I amgrateful for the support of administration in allowing me this unique opportunity to represent not only NASFAA, but the University of South Florida on a national stage.”
USF sets a high priority on accessibility for all students. The university provides institutional need-based grants for in-state students and Florida State University System have some of the lowest tuitions in the nation. USF was named one of the Top 100 Best Values in Public Colleges (#52) by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance for 2015.