Clemson Officials to Serve on Forward50
Jan 31, 2018 09:32AM ● By Kathleen Maris
Photo: Chuck Knepfle.
Two representatives from Clemson University will serve on the new Higher Education Committee of 50—or Forward50, which represents the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA). They are Chuck Knepfle, associate vice president for enrollment management, and Amber Lange, executive director of the Office of College Preparation and Outreach in the Division of Inclusion and Equity.
NASFAA received a grant to convene a group of campus leaders tasked with developing policy solutions that will help surmount obstacles preventing students from enrolling in, paying for, and graduating from college.
Forward50 is comprised of college presidents, members of governing boards, enrollment managers, admissions staff, financial aid and bursar leaders, students, and other leaders from all sectors of postsecondary institutions. The group will examine policy related to access, affordability, accountability, and transparency. Forward50 will produce four white papers with practical recommendations for Congressional members and the broader policy community in fall 2018.
Knepfle said he was immediately drawn to Forward50’s themes of access and affordability.
“Not only does every student have the individual right to postsecondary education, I believe in the public good of higher ed,” he said. “I believe our city, state, and country will all benefit if we have a more educated citizenry.”
Lange said, “I am honored to be chosen as someone who can help improve future financial aid policy in this country. I know too many students who give up on their dreams of higher education because of the cost. I believe this group can positively impact the lives of countless students and their families.”
“What all of these members have in common is the ability to think about how student aid can meet the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s students,” said NASFAA President Justin Draeger. “Change is never easy, but this forwarding-thinking group is up to the task. We look forward to seeing the creative, transformative solutions they produce, all with an eye toward student equity, success, accountability, and transparency.”
Members of the Forward50 bring with them a diverse set of experiences, expertise, and perspectives. Together they hold memberships in more than 140 other higher education-related professional associations, with many serving in current or past leadership roles.
