July State & Regional Association Updates
By Maria Carrasco, NASFAA Staff Reporter
In this monthly round-up in Today's News, we would like to highlight what’s going on in your state and regional associations.
This month, we have the opportunity to hear from our colleagues in Oregon, Washington, Florida, Utah, the Eastern Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (EASFAA), the Rocky Mountain Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (RMASFAA), and the Western Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (WASFAA).
Debbie O'Dea, president of OASFAA (Oregon), shares that Oregon FAAs traveled to Hawaii for WASFAA's annual conference. She writes that the conference had many thoughtful touches infused throughout and many new and fresh conference sessions. “It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with friends and colleagues from Oregon and across the Western region,” she writes.
Debbie also shares that she headed down to San Diego to assist with WASFAA’s Sister Dale Brown Summer Institute, and attend the WASFAA Executive Council's transition meeting.
Additionally, she and other Oregon FAAs traveled to Anaheim for the NASFAA National Conference in June. “It was a wonderful opportunity to network and connect with folks, and share best practices from all over.” Debbie shares several highlights, including LeVar Burton’s keynote and getting to know NASFAA President and CEO Melanie Storey.
“After so many back-to-back events, it is pertinent for me to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has spent time, energy, and care in putting on these wonderful training opportunities,” Debbie writes. “Our profession is stronger when we are able to come together, learn, and connect!”
Melanie Ruiz, president of WFAA (Washington), shares that many WFAA members attended the WASFAA Sister Dale Brown Summer Institute in June 9-13 in San Diego. “WFAA is now focused on a fiscal budget, growing our membership, and planning for our fall conference,” Melanie writes. The fall conference, "Wicked Problems, Bold Solutions: Innovating Aid for an Unpredictable Future," will be held October 22-24 in Tacoma, Washington.
Mia Mwango, president of FASFAA (Florida), shares that the association held its annual conference in Orlando with the theme “Galactic Guardians of a Whole New World,” reflecting the values of care, innovation, and advocacy in financial aid, and welcomed over 260 attendees. Highlights included Alicia Keaton’s general session, “Leading with Integrity, Resilience, and Heart, With an Empty Cup,” a federal update from Dr. Heather Boutell, and a legal compliance session with attorney Kristina Raattama.
During the conference, FASFAA honored Alicia Keaton, David Alexander, Nadine Bailey, Raven Woods, Arminta Johnson, Tim Young, Kristina Chavers, and past president Bill Spiers. Retirees Michael Bennett and Sandy Shimp received Lifetime Service Recognition from the association.
Additionally, Mia shares that Egan Hanson steps in as FASFAA president for 2025-26 year.
Christina Ayres, past president of UASFAA (Utah), shares that the association has scheduled its UASFAA Fall Training for November 7 at the Utah State University Salt Lake Center in Taylorsville, Utah. In partnership with RMASFAA, the association will offer FAAC training for those interested.
Additionally, Christina notes that the association is now accepting volunteers for the upcoming year. If you'd like to get involved, please complete the volunteer form.
Ken Ferreira, president of EASFAA, shares that he was interviewed by Inside Higher Ed on the proposed changes to federal student aid programs and the potential impact for students, families, and financial aid offices within the region. As part of his remarks in May at the EASFAA Conference, Ken emphasized the need to elevate EASFAA's profile via both internal and external communications. This is the first example of this effort, he notes.
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| RMASFAA Summer Institute | |
Justin Chase Brown, president of RMASFAA, shares that the RMASFAA Summer Institute brought 148 financial aid professionals to Wichita State University to participate in an exhilarating week of financial aid bootcamp with a theme of “Survivor.” Over 100 participants from Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming engaged in learning tracks for Neophyte, Mid-Neo, Intermediate, Inter-Advanced, and Advanced/Director. The Squads, overseen by The Council (the committee), included Loan Rangers, ISIRBurg Explorers, Survivor Sloths, Team Kaos, Financial Aid Fanatics, Budget Busters, Starship Scholars, Forest Funders, Hardshell Heroes, Pell Pushers, and Destiny’s Children.
Squads, each with two leaders (the faculty), formed alliances with special guests Heidi Carl, NASFAA Chair-Elect, Purdue University; and Justin. Participants worked together and competed in challenges of searching for hidden immunity idols, music bingo, bowling, trivia, and Minute-to-Win It.
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| WASFAA Sister Dale Brown Summer Institute | |
Bronwyn Garrison, president of WASFAA, shares that the association is celebrating another successful Sister Dale Brown Summer Institute. “Led by our amazing chair this year Sarah Everitt, we had over 100 attend our event at University of San Diego,” Bronwyn writes.
Bronwyn also wants to take the opportunity to thank the 2024-25 WASFAA Executive Council, led by the kind and dedicated John Bender, and welcome the 2025-26 Executive Council, who start their term on July 1.
Check back next month to see what your colleagues are doing across the country, and check out your colleagues’ updates from previous months!
Publication Date: 7/24/2025
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