November 18, 2004

Williams is interim director of financial aid

by Bonnie Marx

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Donna Williams, an accountant IV in the Financial Aid Office at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, is now interim director of that office.

She replaces Daniel R. Mann, who now is financial aid director for the University of Illinois.

Larry H. Dietz, vice chancellor for student affairs and enrollment management, named Williams to the post. The SIU Board of Trustees ratified the appointment at its meeting Thursday, Nov. 11.

"I have great respect for Donna's skills and abilities," Dietz said. "I worked with her on several projects when Dan Mann was director and I was impressed with her knowledge of financial aid programs and services. I'm delighted she has accepted the interim position and I know she will work well with students, staff, colleagues and faculty across campus."

Williams, a 1982 SIUC graduate of SIUC with a bachelor's degree in accounting, began her career at the University in 1983. She has been with the financial aid office for 18 years.

Williams played a key role in establishing the federal work-study community service program on campus and the National Association of Student Employment Administrators recognized her for her professional contributions. She also played a key role in the implementation of both the student information system and the student payroll system in the Administrative Information System.

Williams has been a Carbondale resident since childhood, when she moved here with her parents. Her father is Charles Stalon, who was a professor of economics at SIUC from 1963 to 1977. Stalon went on to become a member of the Illinois Commerce Commission and President Ronald Reagan appointed him to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

A national search for a permanent director is under way. Williams declined comment on whether she would seek the permanent position.