Hall of Fame - Margaret Gregory

Margaret E. Gregory Margaret E. Gregory retired from Southern Methodist University’s Office of Financial Aid on December 31, 1993. Margaret began her career at SMU in 1971 as a financial aid counselor, under the tutelage of Mack Adams, in the Office of Resident Life and Financial Aid. Shortly thereafter, Mack relocated to Austin and The Higher Education Coordinating Board. At that time, SMU created a separate Office of Financial Aid with Margaret as Director and four staff members.

SMU’s Office of Financial Aid grew with Margaret as Director for 18 years, ending with a full-time staff of twenty-three. In 1992, SMU was fortunate to curtail Margaret’s retirement and continued to draw on her expertise in financial aid as a Special Assistant to the Provost.

Margaret received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas and taught Spanish in secondary schools in West Texas before moving to Dallas. Her family, including two grandchildren, is an integral part of her life.

Contributions to higher education through her professional involvement in financial aid include membership on national, regional, and state committees. As the President Elect of TASFAA in 1982-83, she was required to serve as the Fall Conference Chair, thus performing two jobs. Half way into her year as President Elect, she had to assume the duties of the Presidency due to some unforeseeable circumstances. Her term as TASFAA’s President lasted eighteen months. Margaret went out of her way to include and encourage new Board members and make them feel welcome. Margaret felt that financial aid is a vocation and as professionals we had the power to change lives and make a real difference.

Margaret can be described as the epitome of style, charm, elegance and graciousness. She served as a wonderful role model, especially to those who were fortunate enough to work under her supervision. Since her retirement, Southern Methodist University and the financial aid community at large have missed her. Her experience, energy, integrity, expertise and dedication have served as inspiration to many colleagues. She enriched the lives of many SMU students over the years!