Message from TASFAA President:

Happy Financial Aid Day! Thank you for the care, persistence, and purpose you bring to serving students and families.

We had a great Fall Conference in South Padre Island! From learning and sharing ideas to reconnecting with colleagues and networking on the beach, it was an opportunity to recharge. Thank you to our conference committee, presenters, volunteers, sponsors, and everyone who helped make it a success. To those unable to attend: we missed you!

Our theme, Stay Balanced. Stay Bold., is worth carrying forward. Staying balanced means recognizing that our work matters deeply, but it is not all that defines us. Protect your time and be present for the people and moments that matter most. Staying bold means advocating for students, asking questions, embracing new ideas—and having the courage to step away when you need to.

Serving as your president has been an honor. As Zarita Barton takes the helm, I am reminded that the gavel represents both the privilege of leadership and the responsibility of service. Zarita has given generously of her time and talents to strengthen TASFAA and support our members. Her sound judgment, calm and steady voice, and ability to listen with care and foster collaboration—even through difficult conversations—have earned the trust and respect of those who serve alongside her. I look forward with confidence to the year ahead and to gathering together again next year in Fort Worth.

Thank you for all you do in supporting our students, our profession, and one another. Happy Financial Aid Day—and let’s keep moving forward together, for

One More Student.

Melissa Jones
TASFAA President

Happening Now:

TASFAA Awards - Congratulations to the TASFAA Award winners who were recognized at the annual conference.

2026-2027 Board Elections - Elections are complete! Check the Elections page to view your new Board members and President-Elect.

Volunteer for TASFAA - Interested in volunteering your time with one of the many TASFAA committees for the 2026-27 year? We would love to have you!

Become a Member:

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.