Message from TASFAA President:

Hello TASFAA!

"Unintended consequences may follow” is a lesson I am learning in real time. After thoughtful reflection, I made the decision to submit my resignation to my current institution. My final day of employment will be Friday, March 6. This decision was not made lightly and reflects a personal assessment of professional alignment and long-term considerations for me and my family. I am currently evaluating next steps, and I do so with confidence and optimism about the opportunities ahead.

However, my resignation has caused an undesired impact on our beloved TASFAA association. After informing them of my situation, the Board of Directors have conducted a deep review of our governing documents and found that continued service as President is contingent upon employment at a member institution. As a result, shy of a miracle occurring in which I obtain employment with another TASFAA member school by this coming Monday, March 9th, a TASFAA leadership transition will be required to remain in compliance with our governing framework.

In accordance with the TASFAA Constitution, our Vice President, Melissa Jones, will assume the Presidency should I be unable to continue serving. Melissa has been truly wonderful in her service as our TASFAA Vice President. She is a very capable and insightful leader whom I completely respect and admire. Whether an employment surprise happens and I get to continue to serve, or if I get to turn the reins over to Melissa, I am absolutely sure that TASFAA will continue to be in great hands.

Accordingly, Melissa and I are sharing this update jointly to ensure transparency and to encourage your continued engagement with all TASFAA programs, initiatives, and opportunities. A final update regarding this matter will be communicated to the membership in the coming days.

Thomas Ratliff
TASFAA President

Melissa Jones
TASFAA Vice President

Happening Now:

We invite all new staff to attend New Aid Officer Workshop April 8-10 in Grapevine. Click here for more information.

New to TASFAA? Learn more about membership here!

Want to become a TASFAA Sponsor? Find out more here!

About TASFAA

TASFAA Mission Statement

The Texas Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (TASFAA) advances student access to higher education by providing professional development for its diverse members, advocating for informed public policies, and facilitating forums on financial aid topics.

TASFAA Vision Statement

TASFAA will serve as a pillar by empowering members with excellent professional development opportunities and promoting student access and success in higher education.

TASFAA Statement of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

TASFAA is firmly committed to fostering a warm, open environment for Financial Aid Professionals, as our membership is comprised of many intersecting identities that make us unique individuals. We strive to eliminate discrimination including, but not limited to: race, color, ethnicity, national origin, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age or veteran status. Additionally, we embrace the cultural, political, social class and religious affiliations of our members, as those differences allow us to best serve the vastly diverse student community in the State of Texas.

Established in 1967, TASFAA serves multiple roles including:

Encouraging students to pursue higher education.
Promoting student financial aid programs in the post-secondary institutions of the state.
Facilitating communication, activities, services and professional development among constituencies involved in student financial aid administration in the state.
Inspiring professional competencies in the field of student financial aid administration.
Motivating innovation and creativity in the financial aid field to span all cohorts.