Donna Carter
BENDER OF TWIGS INDUCTEE 2019
Donna Carter joined WSU in 1993 as a Financial Aid counselor and has been a valued
employee in our office ever since. The strong experience and skills she brought to
WSU, which came from prior years of experience in financial aid as well as the student
loan industry, shaped the progressively higher levels of responsibility she took on
in the office; first as assistant director and then associate director, all within
a ten year period of time. Donna moved from financial aid counseling to oversight
of our systems operations, based on her technical expertise in the WSU financial
aid database system. She was well suited for the role, as demonstrated by her organization
and effectiveness in all aspects of her duties. She is an extremely conscientious
and hard-working individual who goes above and beyond the call of duty. Donna is always
willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done in order to deliver student aid
in a timely and efficient manner.
Donna is highly respected for her knowledge and expertise. Her direct reports trust
her as a resource and appreciate her willingness to teach and transfer her knowledge
to them with patience and continuous training. Her outstanding leadership and dedication
to the office and the profession has
resulted in numerous awards and recognition. Donna has served on the Board of Directors
for the Financial Aid state and regional association in a variety of leadership positions,
including President of the Kansas Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators
in 2011-12. In 2016 Donna was awarded the Oscar R. ‘Jack” Hendrix Award for her outstanding
service as Treasurer by the Rocky Mountain Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.
Donna is the consummate professional. She can easily interact with internal staff and external constituents on complicated financial aid regulations, but also demonstrate compassion and kindness as she works with students and families regarding affordability or unexpected circumstances, such as job loss. Donna understands our mission of access because she personally experienced the impact and difference aid can have on college attendance and graduation. She is a true role model and exemplifies the spirit of service and commitment to team that are the values we want all managers to have.
The Office of Financial Aid is fortunate to have Donna as a member of our Financial Aid team and congratulate her on reaching this milestone accomplishment.
Sheelu Surender
Director
Office of Financial Aid
SME: SP/SRAP
Updated: 11/25/2019 SRAP