State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) has named Andrea Lachapelle its director of financial aid. Before moving to SCF, Lachapelle served as the interim director of financial aid at the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI).
Lachapelle, who will be responsible for the management, coordination and oversight of SCF financial aid services, implementing the College’s financial aid policies, and enforcing federal guidelines to support and enhance customer service, enrollment and retention, began her new position last month.
“She is one of the best financial aid administrators in the country,” said Richard Barnhouse, vice president of student services and enrollment management at SCF. “We are fortunate that Andrea agreed to serve at our college.”
For Lachapelle it was an easy decision, even though she wasn’t looking to move. The area and its beaches helped draw her here, but it was the leadership and SCF’s philosophy about student engagement that cemented the deal.
“I felt as soon as I came here, it was the right fit,” Lachapelle said. “I like the direction the institution is going in, and I wanted to bring my experience into that. I really love the leadership here, and we’re on the same page about improving student engagement and the student experience.”
Lachapelle said her priorities are to take the intimidation out of the financial aid process and to make college more affordable.
“If a student’s eligible, we’re committed to giving them aid,” she said. “It’s all about the student experience.”
For more information, visit SCF.edu.