Exciting changes have happened in Trinity Valley Community College's Financial Aid Department this year, including announcing the promotion of Lauren Befeld as Assistant Director of Financial Aid.
Lauren’s history with TVCC began in 2008 when she joined the Financial Aid Department as a work-study student on the TVCC - Terrell Campus. Initially drawn to TVCC for its convenience and affordability, she had no idea that her decision to attend would mark the beginning of a career spanning nearly two decades. Her time as a student also brought memorable experiences, including being crowned Homecoming Queen of the TVCC – Terrell Campus in 2009.
In 2012, not only did Lauren earn her Associate of Arts in Business at TVCC, she also became a mom. Just four months following graduation, she accepted a full-time position in the Financial Aid Department at the Terrell Campus, where she has remained ever since.
While building her career at TVCC and juggling being a mom, Lauren continued pursuing her education, earning a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership from Texas A&M University in 2018. The accomplishment was made even more special when she and her husband graduated during the same semester, giving their children the opportunity to watch both parents cross the stage together.
Since then, Lauren has continued to build her career in Financial Aid at TVCC. In September of this year, her hard work came to fruition when she was promoted to Assistant Director of Financial Aid. Although she never envisioned herself in this role, she enjoys her work and takes pride in contributing to the department.
“I stuck it out, worked hard, and I feel like I earned it,” Lauren explained. “I couldn’t imagine working anywhere else. We are such a family on every campus. I couldn’t imagine having better coworkers.”
As far as her plans for her new role, she wants to continue making connections with colleagues and students alike. Especially since she is in charge of Student Life events and Alumni Association events on the Terrell Campus, on top of assisting students with their Financial Aid.
“Our administration is so caring,” she shared, “There’s camaraderie between departments and campuses, and I want to keep building more bridges [and connections].”
Her focus is not only to build bridges between departments, but bridges between Financial Aid and students.
“We really do care and we really do want to help,” Lauren said, “It’s important that students know the new FAFSA is out, and we encourage them to always ask the questions they may be scared to ask. There are all kinds of opportunities for aid out there.”
Having once been a TVCC student herself, Lauren understands the impact that guidance and support can have on a student’s educational experience. Now, nearly two decades after beginning her own journey in Financial Aid, she hopes to continue providing that same support to the next generation of Cardinals.