Financial Aid Director Named Missouri Outstanding Volunteer of the Year

For the last three decades, Karen Griffin has been helping students figure out how to pay for college.

“I think it’s very important that the financial aid process go smoothly for students,” she said. “If they have difficulty the first time, it can lead to a barrier in pursuing higher education.”

The East Central College Director of Student Financial Aid not only helps students coming through the doors of the college but students in the community. Over the last few years, Griffin has helped coordinate and facilitate the FAFSA Frenzy event at Sullivan High School. The event, partly sponsored by the Missouri Department of Higher Education, is part of a national effort to promote FAFSA completion. It connects financial aid professionals with students in their communities.

Because of her dedication and passion, Griffin was chosen as the FAFSA Frenzy Outstanding Volunteer of the Year for 2018!

“Karen went above and beyond to help make the Sullivan event a success, even helping answer questions for students who were unable to attend,” said Jessica Duren, Missouri Department of Higher Education Communication Specialist. “She was an eager volunteer who recruited other financial aid experts and helped families navigate through complex and unique financial situations.”

She was chosen from more than 400 FAFSA Frenzy volunteers! Congrats!