Madison Reporter

Associate Vice Provost and University Registrar Scott Owczarek is set to take on the role of interim director of the Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) at the University of Wisconsin–Madison starting June 3. This transition comes as Helen Faith, the current director of OSFA, prepares to step away from her position.

Vice Provost of Enrollment Management Derek Kindle expressed gratitude towards Faith, acknowledging her dedication and leadership during challenging times, stating, “I, along with the whole team at the Division of Enrollment Management, thank Helen for her time serving UW–Madison and her pivotal role in guiding OSFA through pandemic challenges with steadfast commitment to access for the most financially vulnerable students and families.” Kindle also extended appreciation to Owczarek for stepping in during this transitional period.

Faith, who joined UW–Madison in August 2020, played a significant role in expanding access to the university, including initiatives like Bucky’s Pell Pathway and the upcoming Wisconsin Tribal Education Program. She also made history by becoming the first National Chair of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) elected from Wisconsin.

Owczarek, with over 25 years of experience in higher education, has been serving as University Registrar since 2011 and took on the role of Associate Vice Provost in 2020. Prior to his time at UW–Madison, he held positions in Registrar offices at Michigan State University and Wayne State University.

Meanwhile, a search is underway for the next Executive Director of Student Financial Aid, led by a recruitment committee chaired by Crystal Potts, Senior Director of State Relations & Statewide Outreach. The committee is collaborating with the national executive search firm WittKieffer to identify qualified candidates for the position.