Financial aid director
By Saki Kambe
Barbara Cloutier, current financial aid director at Saint Martin’s University in Lacey will be joining Peninsula College as the new financial aid director by David L. Minger, interim associate dean for enrollment services in a mass email. Cloutier has served students in the financial aid profession for over 17 years, according to Minger.
In addition to her excellence in assisting students, she is also a United States Navy Veteran. She shared that she has a lot of lessons learned under her belt from both her professional and private life that helped her connect with students. Furthermore, she said she takes great joy in connecting with students.
“I’m very excited to work at a State Community College in Washington, that it’s Peninsula College is icing on the cake.
“I moved here from Wisconsin in 2018, and have been so impressed with this state’s innovation and drive to make higher education affordable to students from all walks of life,” Cloutier said.
She said she also enjoys coffee and the amazing Washington air.
“Seriously… the first time I stepped outside (after arriving here), I couldn’t believe how amazing it smelled…fresher than fresh! And the Peninsula air is the best of the best!”
She said she was incredibly impressed by her visit to the college. “Not only was it beautiful, but there seemed to be a real sense of community present there that is often missing at Universities and Colleges.”
Barbara plans to start on Dec. 9.