ABERDEEN, S.D. – Northern State University Assistant Director of Financial Aid Morgan Stadler traveled to Washington, D.C., to attend a national conference for financial aid professionals.
Stadler attended the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) Leadership and Legislative Conference and Expo, which included networking, training, and an opportunity to visit Capitol Hill.
“During our Hill visit, we met with staff from the offices of Congressman Dusty Johnson, Senator Mike Rounds and Senator John Thune to discuss the status of higher education, address any concerns we had and advocate on behalf of our students,” Stadler said.
For Stadler, one of the most beneficial parts of the conference, for Northern and NSU students, was the chance to network with other financial aid administrators from across the U.S.
“Having other professionals who have encountered similar situations as a resource to reach out to can make all the difference. Also, the networking with those who work on Capitol Hill. Being able to form connections with those in the position to help make changes that better our students is invaluable,” she said. “The conference was amazing and very informative including an update on upcoming changes to the FAFSA. I’m still taking it all in, but I can already see some growth and confidence in myself from my time in D.C.”
Stadler, who serves as the current Treasurer of the South Dakota Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (SDASFAA), has worked at Northern for nine years. For others in her profession, she shared the following advice.
“Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try something new. You never know what you might miss,” she said. “You have a support system ready to help and cheer you on. The opportunity for growth through these new experiences can be amazing. You are capable of far more than you might think!”
About Northern State University
Northern State University is a student-centered institution that provides an outstanding educational experience, preparing students through the liberal arts and professional education for their future endeavors. A regional university, Northern offers rigorous academics; diverse civic, social and cultural opportunities; and a commitment to building an inclusive environment for all points of view. Northern also offers a broad-based athletics program, sponsoring 15 NCAA Division II intercollegiate varsity sports that compete in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (NSIC). The university strives to enrich the community through partnerships such as its Educational Impact Campaign, which opened a new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired; new athletic and recreation fields; and an on-campus regional sports complex. With the $55 million campaign, NSU has been the recipient of more than $150 million in privately funded building projects and scholarships within a decade. To learn more, visit NSU Admissions.