Kirtland Community College’s Director of Financial Aid Services Attains Prestigious Certification as a Nationally Recognized Financial Aid Administrator

Kirtland Community College’s Director of Financial Aid Services Kemmoree Duncombe earned the FAAC designation from the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators’ accredited Certified Financial Aid Administrator (CFAA) Program.

“Duncombe’s attainment of the FAAC designation from the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators’ accredited CFAA Program is a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence in financial aid services at Kirtland Community College,” said Kirtland’s Vice President of Student Affairs/Registrar Michelle Vyskocil. “This achievement not only reflects her dedication to professional growth but also underscores the crucial role she plays in ensuring students’ access to educational opportunities. By earning this nationally recognized designation, Duncombe has demonstrated a mastery of financial aid administration, enhancing our institution’s ability to provide effective and informed support to our students.”

The CFAA Program is a first-in-the-industry effort launched in 2019 that validates the skills and knowledge of financial aid professionals at postsecondary institutions nationwide. The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, or NASFAA, is a nonprofit membership organization that represents more than 29,000 financial aid professionals at approximately 3,000 colleges, universities, and career schools across the country. NASFAA is the only national association with a primary focus on student aid legislation, regulatory analysis, and training for financial aid administrators.

“Financial aid administrators are entrusted with significant responsibility, ranging from ensuring college access for students to protecting the reputation of an institution and maintaining the integrity of federal financial aid programs,” said NASFAA President & CEO Justin Draeger. “The FAAC designation affirms the professional commitment of a financial aid administrator not only to those responsibilities, but also their commitment to uphold the highest ethical standards.”

Duncombe joins the ranks of an elite group of more than 300 other financial aid professionals who earned the FAAC designation after successfully passing a comprehensive knowledge exam and affirming commitment to the standards of ethical behavior that have long been a hallmark of the financial aid profession.

“I feel very honored to be one of more than 300 individuals in the nation to have earned the Certified Financial Aid Administrator designation. Years of experience and preparation for the exam was a big factor towards this accomplishment. This is huge because I suffer from test anxiety. At the end of the exam when I found out I passed I was excited but soon become very emotional knowing that I did it,” said Duncombe. “Earning this prestigious designation continues to demonstrate my drive and passion for Financial Aid. Providing a service that is best for our students is what I strive for each day. This certification adds value to our office and institution, and is a great accomplishment in my career.”

In 2021, Duncombe was honored with the Michigan Student Financial Aid Association (MSFAA) certification of appreciation, acknowledging her outstanding leadership and service. Her dedication to the MSFAA is further evidenced by her roles as Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer from 2019 to 2020. In a testament to her esteemed standing within the organization, Duncombe was elected as the president-elect in 2023, and is slated to assume the role of MSFAA President in May 2024.

With an impressive track record spanning over two decades in the field of financial aid services, Duncombe brings a wealth of experience to Kirtland. Notably, she is one of only three community college financial aid specialists holding the esteemed FAAC designation. Duncombe’s upcoming presidency at MSFAA reflects not only her individual accomplishments but also her commitment to advancing the field of financial aid services.

“Financial aid administrators work in a highly-regulated, continuously-evolving industry where knowledge matters,” says Craig Alan Slaughter, 2023-24 CFAA Program commission chair and director of financial aid at Kenyon College. “As part of an inclusive and supportive FAAC community, we commit to the highest standards of professionalism and professional development to support the success of the communities, institutions and students we serve.”

More information about the certification program may be found at https://www.nasfaa.org/certification_overview, or by contacting NASFAA’s certification program staff via email at [email protected].