Welcome to RMASFAA!
I am thrilled to welcome each of you – current members and those considering joining our vibrant community. RMASFAA is a powerful network where each voice and contribution strengthen our shared mission: to empower and connect financial aid professionals across our region.
This year marks an exciting time as we embark on creating a new Strategic Long-Range Plan. Through this process, we’ll establish a roadmap to guide RMASFAA's future and ensure it reflects the diverse needs of our members. In the meantime, our focus this year includes expanding engagement with our tribal school colleagues and indigenous members, fostering inclusion, and embracing the power of kindness, gratitude, and positivity. Our commitment remains strong to represent and advance the profession with purpose, integrity, and a supportive community that prioritizes professional growth and development.
RMASFAA offers many ways to get involved, whether or not you’ve participated in our premier programs like the Leadership Pipeline, Summer Institute, or Annual Conference. Our committees – Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, Association News, Membership, Electronic Initiatives, and Training – provide meaningful opportunities to contribute and learn. Whether you’re interested in joining a book club on indigenous issues, supporting electronic initiatives to enhance our website, assisting with membership outreach, writing a blog post, or participating in our NASFAA Certified Financial Aid Administrator preparation courses, there’s a place for you to make an impact. And, this year, we’re excited to offer a bonus opportunity to participate in our Strategic Long-Range Planning Task Force!
Our upcoming annual conference in October 2025 promises to be an impactful gathering in Wichita, Kansas. In RMASFAA, we’re Shaken, Not Stirred. We are resilient and will continue to persevere through the 2025-26 FAFSA cycle!
As we move forward, you’ll see regular updates and calls for input – including on Slack (#rmasfaa-region), where we’ll keep discussions lively and informative. We encourage you to reach out with ideas or join our ongoing activities; RMASFAA thrives through your contributions!
Thank you for being part of this incredible community. I look forward to leading RMASFAA with your support and to seeing all we can achieve together this year!
Justin Chase Brown, Ph.D.
2024-25 RMASFAA President
