Sandra J. Neal, Candidate for Secretary

When I first started my college career, I never dreamed I would end up in Financial Aid. I had every intention of pursuing a career in Nuclear Medicine but life has a funny way of changing things. I was very blessed to have a work-study position in the Financial Aid Office and to see first-hand the impact the folks in Financial Aid made on students lives. I wanted to be one of those people! Being in Financial Aid has been very rewarding. The friendships gained, the students helped, and the support from organizations such as KASFAA and SASFAA have been wonderful!

I would like to thank the nominations and election committee for affording me the opportunity to be included on the slate of officers as a candidate for secretary. I am truly honored. As a previous secretary of KASFAA and a PTA, I know the time commitment and dedication it takes to be secretary of an organization. I am very excited and would love the opportunity to serve SASFAA in this capacity. I have been very fortunate to work for a university and a boss that is very supportive of my involvement at the state and regional level.

The secretary position is one of great importance. The secretary has the responsibility of keeping accurate records of the SASFAA minutes, arranging travel for the Executive Board, and keeping the policy and procedures manual updated with changes or additions. I know that it is a challenging position, and I am ready for the challenge!

If the membership of SASFAA chooses to elect me, I will be totally committed to fulfilling the duties of secretary and will give 110% to the position. Regardless of whom you choose to elect, I know that both Brenda and I will strive to do our best. I look forward to serving SASFAA now and in the future! Thank you for this great opportunity!

Experience:

• Assistant Director of Financial Aid, University of Louisville, 1997 to Present
• Financial Aid Counselor, University of Louisville, 1990-97

Education:

• M.Ed., Student Personnel Services, University of Louisville
• B.S., Education Counseling and Psychology, University of Louisville

Professional Activities:

• Kentucky Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (KASFAA): Member since 1990; President-Elect, 1999-2000; President, 2000-2001; Past President/Nominations chair, 2001-2002; Secretary, 1997-1999; Historian, 1999-2000; College Goal Sunday Chair, 2001-2004; New Member Mentor; Welcome New Members Coordinator; Membership Chair, 2003-2004; Conference Chair, 1999-2000 and 2002-2003; Program Committee; Articles and By-laws Chair, 1997-1999; Financial Aid Awareness Committee; Newsletter Committee; Support Staff Training; Presented at Several Conferences.
  
  
• Southern Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (SASFAA): Member since 1992; Executive Board as State President, 2001-2001; Newsletter Editor, 2002-2003; Membership Committee, 2003-2004; Professional Development Committee, New Aid Officer Instructor, 2003-2004; Local Arrangement Committee, 2001-2002; Presented at Conference; Conference Moderator
  
  
• Other Professional Activities: HKEAA Student Aid Advisory Committee; Financial Aid Liaison for Porter Society, University of Louisville
  
  
• Civic and Community Related Organizations: Habitat for Humanity, 2000; Shelter House, 1996; Member of Guardian Angels Church; Picnic Committee, Guardian Angels Church; Secretary PTSA, Thomas Merton Academy; Home Room Mother, St. Bartholomew