Interview with Langston University's Director of Financial Aid

by OGSLP's Josita Baker

Yvonne Maxwell, Director of Financial Aid for Langston University, is retiring in May. OGSLP's Client Solutions Specialist Josita Baker took a few moments to interview Maxwell, who passed along some advice for Financial Aid professionals.

Q. When is your last day?
A. May 16, 2008


Q. How long have you been the Director of Financial Aid at Langston University?
A. Seventeen years.


Q. Looking back on your career, was there one person that you can say mentored you toward success?
A. Yes, it was Sherri Hancock, a former financial aid director at UCO.


Q. If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently and why?
A. I wouldn't do anything differently. When my girlfriend called and told me to apply for the position at Langston, I was glad that I had worked as a trustee for OSLA for 10 years under Governor Nigh and had knowledge about student loans.


Q. What will you miss most about Langston University?
A. I will miss the students on campus the most because we are like family. I've even seen some students' children come through Langston. I feel the same way about my staff.


Q. What are your retirement plans?
A. I'm going to travel! I'm immediately going on a cruise with my sister and other family members. My sister just retired from Tinker a few weeks ago and we're going to travel together. We also plan to go to D.C. and Atlanta.


Q. What are some things that you've always wanted to do and will now be able to do once you retire?
A. Exhale! I am never going to read any federal regulations again. I'm only going to read for leisure.


Q. What advice/wisdom would you like to leave with your colleagues in the financial aid community?
A. If you ever get any complaints, it is not about you personally. Work within the system and get it fixed for the student.


Q. Anything else you would like to say?
A. I am going to miss all of the people I have met through OASFAA, SWASFAA and NASFAA. Also, OGSLP is the best group that I have ever worked with. You guys are GREAT!