UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State has appointed Daniel T. Barkowitz as the new assistant vice president for Enrollment Management and executive director of Student Aid, effective Sept. 8.
“Daniel is a seasoned financial aid professional with experience in developing and executing agile strategies for awarding financial aid at a variety of institutions,” said Matt Melvin, vice president for Enrollment Management. “His experience and familiarity operating in an enrollment management structure in highly competitive market environments provides us with opportunity to modernize our approach to financial aid administration to enhance service delivery as well as ensure institutional aid dollars and accompanying aid packages support the achievement of University enrollment goals and priorities related to access and success.
Barkowitz brings nearly four decades of leadership experience in higher education to Penn State, most recently serving since 2022 as assistant vice president of Financial Aid and Student Employment at the University of Miami. In addition to his vast experience, Barkowitz has held volunteer roles in various financial aid administrator organizations including past president of the Florida Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (FASFAA) and the inaugural chair of the NASFAA’s Commission of the Certified Financial Aid Administrator (CFAA) Program.
Barkowitz previously served as treasurer of FLIP National, a 501(c)3 organization focused on elevating the voices and experiences of first-generation and low-income college students. He also currently serves as a member of the advisory board for the Peace and Justice Institute. Barkowitz is also a recipient of NASFAA’s Meritorious Achievement Award, FASFAA’s Distinguished Service Award, MASFAA’s Presidential Award, two-time recipient of FASFAA’s President’s Recognition Award, two-time recipient of MIT’s Dean of Undergraduate Education Infinite Mile Award, and the recipient of Florida College Access Network’s (FCAN) Top Influencer Award.
Barkowitz earned his bachelor of science degree in history from Northeastern University and his master of education in human resource education from Boston University. He earned a certificate in professional fundraising from Boston University. He holds an FAAC (financial aid administrator, certified) Designation.
In his new position, Barkowitz said, he looks forward to partnering with colleagues in developing innovative strategies to ensure enrollment success, despite a tightening market with changing regulations and policies, across the entire University.
“Joining Penn State as the assistant vice president for Enrollment Management and executive director of Student Aid is an exciting opportunity to build on the Student Aid office’s strong record of service and success,” said Barkowitz. “Helping to shape a vision for the future that responds to the evolving needs of students, faculty, staff and University leadership, while building upon a legacy of strong leadership, is a challenge I am eager to embrace. Penn State is a remarkable institution with a deep commitment to its students and a powerful network of alumni. I look forward to joining the team, contributing to its continued success, and becoming part of this exceptional community.”