November 16-18, 2005

ITEM 129-104-R1105  Appointments to the Student Loan Advisory Council; Montana Guaranteed Student Loan Program.

THAT: The Board of Regents of Higher Education appoints the following nominees to a three year term beginning December 1, 2005 and ending November 30, 2008, to the Student Loan Advisory Council: Brandi Payne, Financial Aid Director, MSU Bozeman; Mike Richardson, Financial Aid Director, Montana Tech.

EXPLANATION: Montana Code Annotated, 2-15-1520, requires that the Board of Regents appoint a Student Loan Advisory Council to work with the Montana Guaranteed Student Loan Program. The Council advises MGSLP on policies, rules, and procedures, and assures that students, schools, and lenders are adequately served.

Brandi Payne is a native of Florida, but moved to Montana about 12 years ago. A graduate of the University of Florida, Brandi has worked in the Montana State University Bozeman financial aid office since 1993. Brandi has served as Assistant Director, Associate Director, and is currently the Director of Financial Aid. When combined with her time working in the UF financial aid office, Brandi had over 20 years of financial aid experience.

Mike Richardson has been the Director of Financial Aid at Montana Tech for 16 years. Mike has a degree in Business Administration from the University of Montana. Mike is a long-standing member of the Montana Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.

[These recommended appointments have been reviewed by the Commissioner and are recommended for approval by the Board of Regents]