ABERDEEN, S.D. — Morgan Stadler, assistant director of financial aid at Northern State University, recently completed the Rocky Mountain Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators' (RMASFAA) Leadership Pipeline program, a yearlong professional development initiative designed to prepare financial aid professionals for leadership roles.
Stadler was selected for the 2025-26 cohort of the program, which combines leadership training, professional mentorship and networking opportunities with financial aid administrators throughout the region.
Established in 2007, the Leadership Pipeline was the first program of its kind among regional financial aid associations. It was developed to strengthen the association's future leadership by preparing members to serve in committee, committee chair and officer positions.
Stadler began the program in October 2025 during the association's annual conference in Wichita, Kansas, where participants attended in-person training and were paired with experienced mentors.
Throughout the year, participants attended monthly virtual meetings featuring guest speakers, group discussions and leadership development activities. The program also included discussions of Brené Brown's book Dare to Lead and regular meetings with mentors to explore professional challenges and leadership skills.
The program concluded in October 2026 at the association's annual conference in Fargo, North Dakota, where participants presented legacy projects to members of the association's executive board.
Stadler also volunteered to serve as her cohort's speaker, presenting her project to approximately 200 financial aid professionals attending the conference.
For her legacy project, Stadler developed a personal reflection centered on the word "PIVOT," inspired by a memorable scene from the television series Friends. The theme reflected both her leadership development and the need for financial aid professionals to continually adapt to changes in their field.
Using lessons and advice shared by guest speakers throughout the program, Stadler created a collection of reflections representing each letter of the word. She incorporated the reflections into a framed scrapbook-style project that she now displays in her office as a reminder of what she learned.
“This past year has been one of self-reflection and growth,” Stadler said. “Throughout this program, I've come to realize that leading from where you are doesn't mean you have to be perfect and have all the answers, you just need to speak up.”
Stadler said the experience helped her build confidence and become more comfortable contributing her perspective in professional settings.
“Many leaders are overcoming some level of fear, but they do it anyway and make an impact,” she said. “With that shift, I've seen my confidence grow and I speak up more.”
Reflecting on her opportunity to speak before approximately 200 financial aid professionals, Stadler said the experience was both challenging and rewarding.
“It was nerve-wracking to present in front of a group of 200 of your peers from across the region at the end, many whom you know and admire, but I'm proud to say that I overcame that fear and did it anyway,” Stadler said. “I hope that in doing so, others felt inspired or found something relatable in what I shared to take home with them.”
Participants received certificates recognizing their successful completion of the program.
The Leadership Pipeline has received national recognition, earning a Regional Training Award from the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators in 2008.
As assistant director of financial aid at Northern, Stadler helps students and families navigate the financial aid process and access resources to support their educational goals.
For more information, contact Chad Hatzenbuhler, director of communications and marketing, at chad.hatzenbuhler@northern.edu or 605-626-2046.