Laurie Wolf, Ph.D.

Laurie Wolf, Ph.D. is a higher education professional with over 35 years of experience. Laurie joins Financial Aid Services (FAS) upon retiring from Des Moines Area Community College District (DMACCD). At DMACCD, Laurie was the chief student services officer. In this capacity, she served as the district’s financial aid director and had oversight of all other student services areas, from enrollment to the library services and student health center. Among her many accomplishments at DMACCD were establishing a veteran affairs office, expanding student wellness and intramural programs, and developing a seamless transfer program with 10 four-year institutions.

Prior to her tenure at DMACCD, Laurie worked for the Iowa Student Aid Commission (ISAC). At ISAC she was involved in administering state grant and scholarship programs to students attending public and private institutions throughout the state. Laurie also played a vital role in the state’s early awareness and college savings programs. Before ISAC, Laurie held enrollment management positions at the University of Iowa and Iowa Wesleyan College.

Laurie has been prominently involved in the financial aid profession at the state, regional and national level. Her affiliation with the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) culminated in Laurie serving as national chair in 2011. She has presented on and advocated for higher education issues to the U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Congress and members of the White House Staff.

Additionally, Laurie has been a guest lecturer at several colleges and universities as well as a Title IV school trainer for the U.S. Department of Education.

Laurie holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Iowa Wesleyan College, a Master of Arts in Higher Education Studies from the University of Iowa and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Iowa State University.