As many of you know, Susan Ladd, director of student financial planning, retired this summer. Susan had a long and distinguished career at Drake. She has helped so many students gain access to educational opportunities and reach their goals. We celebrated her accomplishments and accolades at a gathering this summer. Susan has made a lasting impression on Drake University and we sincerely thank her and wish her joy in her retirement.

After conducting a nation-wide search, which involved representatives from financial aid and all of the colleges and schools, Ryan Zantingh has been hired as Drake’s new director of financial aid. He has more than 11 years of financial aid experience in private, higher education. For the last six years he has been the director of financial aid at Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, IL. He has also served on the Financial Aid Commission of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, most recently as chair. In this role, he contributed to advocacy and professional development opportunities on behalf of financial aid colleagues at more than 180 member institutions. Ryan has a Bachelor of Arts from Trinity Christian College and an Master of Business Administration from Governors State University. Ryan and his wife are from Pella and they are excited to move back to Iowa.  He will start in his new role on Oct. 15. Please join me in welcoming Ryan Zantingh to Drake.

Teresa Krejci, Finance and Administration