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PHOTO: Valerie Kreiser, from left, with Director of Student Financial Services Counseling Hillary Saylor Schulze and SFS Success Coordinator Juliana Caceres.

After more than three decades in higher education, Valerie Kreiser, executive director of the Office of Student Financial Services, has witnessed countless students realize their dreams of earning a college degree, playing a key role in helping make those dreams possible.
 

“I wasn’t intentionally looking to work in higher education,” Kreiser said. “But once I got there, I stayed.”

She began her career in student billing and payroll before moving into financial aid in 2011, when her prior employer transitioned to a one-stop Student Financial Services (SFS) model that combined billing and financial aid into one office.
 

“It was supposed to be an interim role,” Kreiser recalled. “I remember thinking, ‘I don’t know if I’m ready for that responsibility.’ But interim became permanent, and it ended up becoming my passion. Billing and financial aid really go hand in hand, and I wanted to make things as easy as possible for students.”

Throughout her career, Kreiser has guided students through significant financial aid transformations, from COVID-19 adjustments to the new FAFSA simplification process.

“The FAFSA changes were probably one of the biggest shifts I’ve seen,” she said. “That first year was tough for families, but it’s ultimately simplified things. Even I had to troubleshoot my own son’s FAFSA, and that helped me understand what families were going through.” 

At the heart of ����ֱ��’s Student Financial Services office is a team that shares Valerie’s commitment to compassion, collaboration and clear communication to ensure every student feels supported.

“We’re constantly meeting and brainstorming ways to reach students,” Kreiser explained. “We also participate in trainings with organizations like and to stay current. We want students to know we’re approachable, not a scary office to visit.”

Among them are professionals like Associate Director Joe Berardi, who oversees counseling and outreach efforts, and Director of SFS Counseling Hillary Saylor Schulze, MPA, who finds joy in celebrating students’ success on graduation day.

“My favorite day of the year is commencement,” Schulze said. “When we can celebrate with students and families, knowing all the hard work that went into getting there, that’s the best feeling."

On October 15, ����ֱ�� will celebrate Financial Aid Day, recognizing professionals like Kreiser and her team. During the week, ����ֱ��'s Office of Student Financial Services will host drop-in opportunities for students to stop by, ask questions, enjoy snacks and learn more about navigating financial aid successfully.

Looking back, Kreiser takes pride in a career defined by service, compassion and connection.
 

“The opportunity to work with students, parents and colleagues has been such an eye-opening experience,” Kreiser said. “When you have great colleagues and you get to see students succeed, that makes it all worthwhile.”