DeNitra Ukpo

Senior Associate Director of Financial Aid, University of West Georgia

I am excited to apply for the SASFAA Community Engagement Leadership Pipeline (CELP) because it represents a unique opportunity to grow as a leader while contributing to a profession that directly changes lives. Financial aid is often the bridge between aspiration and achievement, and strong leadership in this field ensures that students not only gain access to higher education but also persist and succeed. The redesign of this program from the Diversity Leadership Program to CELP speaks to the evolving needs of our profession and mirrors my own journey as I strive to expand access, promote equity, and strengthen leadership within my institution and beyond.

Currently, I serve as the Senior Director of Financial Aid at the University of West Georgia, where I oversee compliance, Title IV administration, and cross-campus collaborations that impact enrollment and student success. In this role, I manage regulatory audits, develop and train staff, and ensure accountability in complex processes such as Return to Title IV, reconciliation, and professional judgments. I also regularly engage with campus partners to create solutions that balance institutional priorities with the diverse needs of our students. These responsibilities have sharpened my skills in compliance and management, but they have also highlighted the importance of building leadership capacity both in myself and in others to sustain long-term impact. CELP will provide the intentional mentorship, peer collaboration, and structured development that I need to take this next step in my leadership journey.

My interest in CELP is also rooted in my commitment to access and affordability. As a professional in financial aid, I have seen how systemic barriers can prevent talented students from fully realizing their educational goals. I believe that leadership is not just about positional authority but about creating pathways for students, staff, and colleagues to succeed. By participating in this program, I hope to strengthen my ability to advocate for inclusive policies, lead initiatives that reduce barriers to education, and model the kind of leadership that encourages others to grow.
I believe I should be selected for CELP because I bring a blend of experience, passion, and a readiness to contribute. As a Certified Financial Aid Administrator, I have invested in my professional development through national and regional training, leadership programs, and compliance certifications. I have also demonstrated resilience and adaptability as I stepped into interim director leadership during a time of transition at my institution. These experiences have prepared me to engage fully in CELP not only as a learner but as a contributor who will share knowledge, support peers, and carry forward the lessons of the program to my institution, state association, and the SASFAA region.

In addition, I view CELP as an opportunity to strengthen the financial aid profession’s leadership pipeline. Our field needs leaders who are not only technically skilled but also visionary, inclusive, and community-minded. I am committed to being that kind of leader, one who can bridge the gap between compliance and compassion, between access and affordability, and between institutional priorities and student success. With the guidance of mentors and the collaboration of peers in CELP, I will be better equipped to lead in ways that make a lasting difference.

In conclusion, my interest in the CELP stems from a desire to continue growing as a leader who is deeply committed to equity, access, and professional advancement in financial aid. I bring practical experience, a strong compliance foundation, and a passion for advocacy. By participating in CELP, I will not only enhance my own leadership skills but also contribute to the collective strength of SASFAA and the institutions and students it serves.