Senior Leadership Team Named for Office of Financial Aid and Academic Scholarships

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Wendy Stouffer, executive director of academic scholarships and financial aid.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas Enrollment Services division is continuing the realignment of its academic scholarships and financial aid offices, with the announcement of a new leadership team:

• Wendy Stouffer, who has been serving as interim director of financial aid, will incorporate those duties into her current position as executive director of academic scholarships and financial aid.
• Phillip Blevins, associate director of financial aid, has been promoted to senior associate director of financial aid and academic scholarships.  
• Garrick Hildebrand, associate director of academic scholarships, has been promoted to senior associate director of academic scholarships and financial aid. 

“These appointments will create expertise in scholarships and financial aid across the board, allowing students to seek advice on scholarships and aid in one place, at one time,” said Suzanne McCray, vice provost for enrollment and dean of admissions. “This team has already begun cross-training and planning procedural changes to enhance their services to prospective students, current students, and colleagues across campus.”

Stouffer is a Rogers native who holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and criminal justice and a law degree, both from the University of Arkansas. She practiced law for three years before joining the university in 2001 as assistant director of admissions. Stouffer served in the admissions office in various capacities until September 2010 when she was named director of academic scholarships. She has served on many campus committees including the faculty admissions and appellate board, the athletic integrity committee, the enrollment advisory committee, and the scholarship review committee. 

Phillip Blevins, senior associate director of financial aid and academic scholarships

“I am very pleased to embrace this new challenge especially because I know the team we have put in place is top notch,” Stouffer said. “Garrick Hildebrand and Phillip Blevins have been instrumental in implementing technologies that improve our effectiveness and efficiency, and I know collectively we will be able to expand the opportunities for enhancements across financial aid and scholarships.”

Blevins began his career at the University of Arkansas in December 2000 as a computer technician in the Center for Students with Disabilities. In November 2002, he transferred to the financial aid office where he has held many positions. He has served as associate director of financial aid since March 2008. An Elkins native, Blevins holds a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems and a master’s degree in information systems. 

Garrick Hildebrand, senior associate director of academic scholarships and financial aid

Hildebrand was appointed to the academic scholarship office as a program coordinator in November 2007 and was promoted to associate director in July 2009. He is from Fayetteville and holds a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in higher education leadership. He is currently serving as the adviser to the Kappa Kappa Psi band fraternity and serves on the board of directors for the Razorback Band Alumni Society.

“As part of the enrollment services division, Wendy Stouffer, Phillip Blevins and Garrick Hildebrand are committed to creating comprehensive support in their office that will serve both prospective and current students graciously and effectively as these students work to realize their plans of completing a degree,” said McCray.