Doug Schantz, director of the Office of Student Financial Services at Wittenberg University, has received the 2019 Student Financial Services Award from the Student Financial Services Council of the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO). Schantz is only the second recipient of this distinguished honor.
NACUBO established the Student Financial Services Award in 2018 to recognize individuals who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to the higher education community, NACUBO's advocacy efforts, and educational programs and publications in the area of student financial services. A Wittenberg alumnus, Schantz, who has worked at his alma mater since 1997, received the award this morning during the 2019 Student Financial Services Conference, March 24-26, at the Hyatt Regency in New Orleans.
“I am truly honored and humbled to have received this award and recognition from NACUBO and from my national peers,” said Schantz, who served on NACUBO’s 12-member President’s Council for Student Financial Services from 2014-2018 and was appointed chair in 2016-2017. “Although I may be the recipient, it is the people that I work with at Wittenberg and the environment in which I work that contribute to making things like this possible.”
NACUBO is a membership organization representing more than 1,900 colleges and universities across the country. The association's mission is to advance the economic viability, business practices and support for higher education institutions in fulfillment of their missions. NACUBO also provides support to chief business and financial officers through advocacy efforts, community service, and professional development activities.
“Doug is an essential campus partner and outstanding colleague at Wittenberg, who brings tremendous energy, expertise, insight, collaboration, and creativity to advancing our mission,” said Michael L. Frandsen, Wittenberg president. “In his work and life, Doug makes everyone feel valued and appreciated. We are thrilled to have him at Wittenberg, and we join with all his friends, family, and colleagues in celebrating this most deserving honor."
In addition to leading Wittenberg’s Office of Student Financial Services, Schantz is a nationally recognized expert in financing a college education. A regular speaker on topics related to paying for college, saving for college, financial literacy, scholarships, financial aid, and higher education finance. Schantz also founded the widely popular online resource, CheapScholar.org, which provides families and students with the financial tools and knowledge to assist in their pursuit of a college education. CheapScholar.org has more than 10,000 followers on Facebook and Twitter, and the website attracts thousands of visitors each month. Schantz also volunteers his time to provide “Paying For College” presentations at high schools, foundations, and corporations throughout Ohio.
Because of his expertise, Schantz has been invited to appear in Paying For College segments on NBC, been interviewed by NPR, has been cited as a resource in congressional hearings, and has been quoted in a number of syndicated news outlets including Money Magazine, The New York Times, U.S. News, Business Officer Magazine, CNBC, MSN Money, Yahoo Finance, and The Chronicle of Higher Education.
“Doug’s commitment to Wittenberg, his profession, colleagues, and community is admirable," said Rob Young, vice president for finance and administration. “From mentoring colleagues and helping families navigate how best to finance their students’ education to leading multiple initiatives and serving as a campus leader, Doug also daily lives our motto, ‘Having light we pass it on to others.’”
During his 22 years at Wittenberg, Schantz has served on numerous committees including the Integrated Planning and Budget Committee, Budget and Compensation Advisory Committee, University Strategic Planning Commission, Title IX Sexual Complaint Grievance Board, Staff Advisory Council, Retention Task Force, several university search committees, Student Conduct Hearing Board, and Colleague Datatel (Ellucian) R-13 Implementation Team. He has also served as an instructor in Wittenberg’s First-Year Seminar Program.
Active in the Springfield community, Schantz has worked with Mental Health Services, Covenant Presbyterian Church, Springfield City School District, United Way, and the American Cancer Society.
