Karen Porter
BENDER OF TWIGS INDUCTEE 2019
Karen Porter is a valued member of the Office of Financial Aid at Wichita State University.
She began her work in our office under the title of Financial Planner, but moved to
the role of Financial Aid Advisor in 1998. It is in this role that she has made outstanding
contributions to our office and the students she has served. She has received accolade
upon accolade regarding the help she has provided students and families. Over the
years there have been many students who come back year after year to visit her with
cards, flowers or tasty treats. These acknowledgements represent a small token for
the investment she makes in their lives and the deep connections she easily makes
with others.
As a financial aid advisor, she has worked extremely hard to engage students and creates
a welcoming
atmosphere for them on campus. Her warmth and genuine care for students is unparalleled.
She is always positive and the ultimate professional. Her greatest strengths include
communication, openness, and honesty. Based on Karen’s knowledge and experience, she
was promoted to Senior Financial Aid Advisor in 2002. In this role she serves as the
lead advisor and has been instrumental in onboarding new advisors and helping with
escalated questions. She has supervised student employees
and nurtured them through growth from students to professionals. As an advisor, she
is seen as the face of Financial Aid, often working directly with current and high
school students with completion of their FAFSA or delivering presentations with important
information about making college affordable. Students know her by name and she takes
time to know them personally, often advocating for additional resources for them when
she sees their struggles. Karen values the importance of teamwork
and has demonstrated her leadership in making the office a diverse and inclusive environment
for our staff.
Karen’s commitment to students, the campus and her community is refreshing and selfless. She understands the importance of action and how her contributions are making a difference for the greater good. She has served on various campus committees over the years and is a long-time member of the Housing Appeals Committee. As I think back over our years together, especially as peer advisors in my first several years in Financial Aid, her grace and kindness are what I appreciate the most. Students, staff and the greater campus community have benefitted greatly as a result of her compassion and service. All of us congratulate Karen on this milestone accomplishment.
Sheelu Surender
Director
Office of Financial Aid
SME: SP/SRAP
Updated: 11/26/2019 SRAP