Myra Pfannenstiel, director of financial aid at Newman University, recently received the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) leadership award for the Rocky Mountain Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (RMASFAA).
This award was announced at the NASFAA conference in July and presented to Pfannenstiel on Oct. 9 at the RMASFAA annual conference in Fort Collins, Colorado.
To receive this award, an individual must be a financial administrator and have made outstanding contributions to the financial aid profession at both regional and state levels over a sustained period of time. The award winner must also exhibit high integrity and character, show creative leadership, inspire others to participate actively in professional development activities and support the goals and objectives of NASFAA.
There is only one award given in each of NASFAA’s six regions, which made the award even more remarkable, Pfannenstiel said.
“Receiving the award was an honor and surprise. It served as validation of my commitment, dedication and contributions to the financial aid profession, the students and the institutions I have had the privilege to serve,” said Pfannenstiel.
Pfannenstiel served a three-year commitment as RMASFAA president beginning in October 2017 and concluding in 2019. Her leadership style is rooted in mentoring, teaching and motivating others to reach both their potential and their goals.
In April 2024, Pfannenstiel will hit her 30-year milestone in the financial aid profession.
“The most fulfilling part of my job is witnessing students achieve their educational goals and grow throughout their educational journey. Additionally, the opportunity to ‘pay it forward’ has been a tremendous gift and blessing. I have had the privilege of teaching and mentoring other financial aid professionals and providing leadership within the institutions I have been part of,” said Pfannenstiel.
The Newman financial aid team accompanied Pfannenstiel to the RMASFAA conference. It was an opportunity for networking and building relationships with others in the same profession.
“This was a valuable opportunity for them to network and cultivate relationships with other financial aid professionals. It also allowed my team to learn from some of the best in the field. An added bonus was having them by my side when the award was announced,” said Pfannenstiel.
“Working with Myra has been a source of constant inspiration,” said Bonnie Saucedo, one of the financial aid counselors who attended the conference. “Her comprehensive knowledge of financial aid, as well as her awareness of all the external factors that influence, it is truly remarkable.”
Myra represents the essence of a true leader through her mentorship and guidance.
Bonnie Saucedo, financial aid counselor at Newman University
Saucedo believes that Pfannenstiel is a leader who is a constant beacon of encouraging support for her team members, both in and out of the office.
“What distinguishes Myra as a leader is her consistent demonstration of support for others, whether it pertains to work or personal life. Instead of simply showing the way, Myra gives knowledge through guidance and education. She doesn’t just provide answers; instead, she encourages thoughtful questioning, enabling us to discover the solutions ourselves. Myra represents the essence of a true leader through her mentorship and guidance,” said Saucedo.
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