The architect of Northern Arizona University’s new Personalized Learning initiative has been appointed to serve on a congressional committee that advises on student financial aid.
Fred Hurst, senior vice president for NAU Extended Campuses, will serve a three-year term on the Student Financial Assistance Advisory Committee. Recommendations from the 11-member group go to Congress and the Secretary of Education.
“Federal student financial aid is essential for Northern Arizona University’s students to earn a degree and a living wage,” Hurst said. “At the same time, there is concern about rising student aid, which topped $173 billion last year. I am honored to represent our students’ needs and work toward simplified, more effective and transparent financial aid policy.”
Hurst was nominated by Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick and appointed by the U.S. House of Representatives.
“I am so proud that both Fred Hurst and the NAU community are being recognized nationally for their leadership in higher education,” Kirkpatrick said.
NAU Extended Campuses enrolls more than 7,700 students off-campus each semester, representing more than one-third of NAU’s total student population. Personalized Learning is an online, competency-based program that offers degrees in small business administration, liberal arts and computer information technology.