Cheryl De Paolis, director of financial aid at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, has been named president of the Pennsylvania Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. PASFAA is a dynamic service organization representing more than 300 Pennsylvania educational institutions, lenders, and organizations involved with higher education.
The group works to provide for the professional development of members and other constituencies, advocate for access to post-secondary education, and educate the public on financial aid and funding opportunities. PASFAA conducts a number of professional development opportunities for members. They partner with PHEAA to conduct Counselor Workshops for more than 1,500 guidance counselors. Additionally, they educate the community by volunteering at College Fairs, Financial Aid Nights, and FAFSA Completion Workshops. PASFAA also raises money for scholarships for Pennsylvania students. The group also advocates for student aid issues to state and federal representatives.
Under De Paolis’ leadership this year she hopes to institute Next PAGE, a program dedicated to providing networking, mentoring, and training for financial aid professionals with less than seven years’ experience.
De Paolis has served at Pittsburgh Seminary since 2008. She earned her bachelor’s from Clarion University and master’s from Penn State.