Southern    Association   of    Student  
          Financial   Aid   Administrators

A blue circle with white text and a map AI-generated content may be incorrect.

SASFAA Community Engagement Leadership Pipeline

APPLICATION:

The application is now live!  To apply, please complete the application  Apply Here 

A copy of your resume and a letter of support from your supervisor are required as part of the application process.

 

Community Engagement Leadership Pipeline (CELP) Purpose

To provide an intentional and comprehensive leadership development experience for current and aspiring leaders, with a dedicated focus on access and professional advancement. This is a two-year program which seeks to prepare participants to lead within their institutions, state associations, and the SASFAA region. Participants will have structured mentoring relationships with established leaders within SASFAA and opportunities for participants to connect and collaborate with peers and mentors across the region.

Program Goals

  1. Access and Affordability
    Provide access to leadership development for aid administrators to ensure comprehensive representation among under resourced and minority serving institutions within the Association.
  2. Leadership Development
    Equip participants—both current leaders and aspiring professionals—with the practical skills, strategies, and insights needed to lead effectively within financial aid offices, state associations, and SASFAA.
  3. Career Advancement
    Support professional growth through mentoring, networking, and targeted development opportunities that strengthen participants’ readiness for advanced leadership roles.
  4. Pipeline Expansion
    Increase access to an extensive pool of talented leaders who reflect the breadth of the membership and can carry forward the Association’s mission as future executive board members.
  5. Sustainable Collaboration
    Promote a leadership model that is collaborative, adaptable, and transferable—empowering institutions, state associations, and SASFAA to cultivate future leaders equipped to meet evolving challenges.

Program Components & Length

Year 1:

    • Participants will attend the SASFAA Leadership Symposium which may consist of a series of workshops, panels, and case studies designed to challenge and develop leadership competencies.
    • Participants will be assigned mentors from their institutional sector to work with for the remainder of the year.
    • Participants will be immersed in a series of readings and regular meetings with mentors.
    • Participants may attend two virtual SASFAA Executive Board meetings or state association meetings during the year to gain exposure to the association(s).
    • Opportunity to participate in a “Swoonpies and Money” podcast focused on leadership. 
    • Benefits: SASFAA sponsors registration for the Leadership Symposium, room, board and travel, not to exceed $550 per individual for the travel component. Meals (not covered at the symposium) will be reimbursed.
Year 2:
    • Participants will be engaged in a comprehensive leadership development program designed to prepare them for leadership opportunities within SASFAA and/or their places of employment.
    • Participants may continue to work with their assigned mentor or receive a new mentor who has experience on the SASFAA Executive Board.
    • Mentors will meet with chair/committee twice during the year in feedback/listening sessions.
    • Participants will be expected to volunteer for a SASFAA activity during the year (task force, committee or SASFAA training event).
    • Participants will develop and present a project or plan that supports leadership development or programmatic improvement within their institution, state association, or SASFAA. Project(s) will be presented to SASFAA members at the annual training conference as a conference session.
    • Benefits: SASFAA sponsors registration for the Annual Conference, room, board and travel, not to exceed $550 per individual for the travel component. Meals (not covered at the conference) will be reimbursed.


Selection Criteria & Process for Community Engagement Leadership Pipeline (CELP)

Three participants will be selected for the CELP cohort by the SASFAA Community Engagement Committee.

Candidate Selection Criteria:

  1. Be a member of SASFAA
  2. Be employed by a current SASFAA member
  3. Have been working in or with financial aid for a minimum of three years (no maximum)
  4. Have demonstrated professional or civic/community leadership experience
  5. Be committed to fully engage in all Community Engagement Leadership Pipeline (CELP) activities and benefits as listed above for both years; and
  6. Secure in writing supervisor/institutional support for the individual’s participation and time away from the office to participate in CELP.

Anticipated Outcomes

  • Enhanced leadership capacity of emerging professionals from a wide array of institutions
  • Greater representation within SASFAA leadership roles from members across all sectors
  • Strengthened collaboration between professionals across the region
  • Transferable tools and strategies that contribute to the success of institutions, state associations, and SASFAA
  • Participants are prepared to seek leadership roles within SASFAA, their state associations, and/or places of employment

 

Conclusion

The SASFAA Community Engagement Leadership Pipeline represents a strategic investment in the future of the Association. By fostering leadership development and community engagement, SASFAA reaffirms its commitment to preparing a wide range of professionals to lead with purpose, vision, and integrity.

 

Community Engagement Committee

  • Dameion Lovett, SASFAA Community Engagement Chair
  • Vanessa Fulton, Georgia
  • Chansone Durden, Florida
  • Kevin Holman, Kentucky & Tennessee
  • Joseph McKee, Mississippi
  • Cecil Outlaw, North Carolina
  • Dana Quattlebaum, South Carolina


Alabama      Florida      Georgia      Kentucky      Mississippi      North Carolina      South Carolina      Tennessee      Virginia 

 

SASFAA

Southern Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators

For technical assistance: sasfaaweb@gmail.com

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software