Steve McDowell

Steve McDowell, MBA, FAAC®, has a diverse work experience in the field of financial aid services. Steve started their career as a Senior Financial Aid Advisor at Gibbs College in January 2006 and worked there until July 2008. Steve then joined Gateway Community College as an Associate Director of Financial Aid from July 2008 to September 2010.

In September 2010, Steve joined Connecticut State Colleges & Universities as an Assistant Director of Financial Aid Services. Steve held this position until November 2015 when they were promoted to the role of Director of Financial Aid Services. Steve remained in this position until July 2020.

Most recently, Steve has been working at Connecticut State Community College since July 2020 as the Associate Vice President for Financial Aid Services & Title IV Compliance.

In addition to their employment, Steve also has experience as an Independent Consultant at Blue Icon Advisors, NASFAA Consulting, starting from March 2022.

Steve McDowell received their Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Bentley University in 2004. In 2009, they completed their Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the University of Hartford. In 2017, Steve obtained a Strategic Enrollment Management Endorsement Credential from the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO). Steve has also obtained various certifications related to student financial aid administration, including the R2T4 Credential, Cash Management Credential, Certified Financial Aid Administrator® (CFAA), Professional Judgment Credential, Student Eligibility Credential, Administrative Capability Credential, and Satisfactory Academic Progress Credential, all from the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA). In 2023, Steve completed a non-credit course on Leading for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Higher Education at the University of Michigan.