Fairmont State University’s Tresa Weimer, Executive Director of Student Support Services, has been appointed to the Higher Education Student Financial Aid Advisory Board for the Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC).
Weimer currently serves as the Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships, oversees Admissions, Student Services, and Student Systems. Her position on the board was approved by the HEPC on December 5, 2019 and her term will run through June 30, 2022.
“Representing Fairmont State University and all West Virginia students who want to pursue higher education by serving on this board is not only a privilege but an honor,” she said. “This position enables me to be a part of a statewide team of Financial Aid professionals who review the state policy and regulations regarding scholarships and grants; we make recommendations and decisions that impact current and future students and their ability to afford postsecondary education.”
The board includes people representing high schools, vocational and technical schools, community and technical colleges, and small and large public institutions. Weimer said this serves as a great representation for the students of West Virginia when determining the needs of the students to further their education.
Brian Weingart, senior director of Financial aid for HEPC, said he consults with the president of the West Virginia Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (WVASFAA) for a person to represent their sector on the advisory board. Once that person is chosen, he recommends them to the Commission or Council for their approval.
“Tresa had already served a three-year term and served two years as chair of the advisory board. She was renewed to fulfill a second three-year term,” he said. “Tresa has a wealth of knowledge in financial aid having worked at both West Virginia University and now Fairmont State. She has been a leader in financial aid in the state.”
Prior to her placement at Fairmont State University, she served in various roles within the Financial Aid Office at West Virginia University. Weimer’s financial aid career began as a federal work-study student and now with over 30 years of financial aid experience, she serves as a resource for students, parents, faculty, staff, and Fairmont State University. She has great knowledge in regards to scholarships, grants, loan indebtedness, academic progress, student employment, and financial literacy.
“Tresa is so very deserving of this appointment. She is the quintessential professional, and a superb financial aid expert,” Fairmont State President Mirta Martin said. “She will provide invaluable information as a member of the board.”
Weimer received a Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts in Educational Leadership, and a Master in Business Administration from West Virginia University.
The Higher Education Student Financial Aid Advisory Board is a body statutorily charged to provide financial aid expertise and policy guidance to the Higher Education Policy Commission and the Council for Community and Technical College Education on matters related to federal, state, and private student financial aid resources and programs.
The Higher Education Student Financial Aid Advisory Board consists of seven members. Three members are appointed by the Commission, two members by the Council, one member by the West Virginia Independent Colleges and Universities, and one member by the West Virginia School Counselor Association. According to statute, although original appointments by the Commission were for different term lengths, subsequent appointments shall be for three-year terms. Members are eligible to succeed themselves for one additional consecutive term.
The statute provides that members appointed by the Commission and the Council shall possess a broad knowledge of state and federal higher education student financial aid programs and have experience in administering these programs, preferably at the system or campus level.
