David Sheridan

New York City, New York
Office Representing: Financial Aid

David Sheridan is the director of financial aid of the School of International & Public Affairs at Columbia University. Throughout the course of his career, he has worked with both undergraduate and graduate students and in both the private and public sectors. In previous positions, Sheridan has overseen offices of the registrar, admissions, bursar and new student orientation, in addition to financial aid.

How did you first get interested in or involved in higher education issues?

"I come from a family of educators and have always recognized our higher education system as one of the country's greatest resources," Sheridan said. "I was offered a position in financial aid when I was a young, recent college graduate, and it didn't take long for me to realize that it was a good fit for my skills and values."

Why did you apply to be a part of the Higher Education Committee of 50? What drew you to this opportunity?

"I have a strong interest in higher education and financial aid policy from a broad perspective," Sheridan said. "I saw the [Higher Education Committee of 50] as a way that I could continue to be involved in policy discussions and share views with professionals from outside financial aid, which is something I have found helps me understand issues in greater depth."

Leadership roles with professional associations:

• National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA): Past Chair of Federal Issues, Past Chair of Graduate and Professional Loan Limits Task Force
• New Jersey Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NJASFAA): Past President, Past Federal Relations Chair
• Eastern Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (EASFAA): Past Training Committee Chair, Past Federal Relations Chair, Past Conference Chair

Membership(s) held with other professional associations:

• New York Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NYSFAAA)