It is with great sadness we announce the passing of past NASFAA National Chair and friend Marvin Carmichael.

Marvin spent over four decades at his alma mater, Clemson University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics and a master’s degree in administration and supervision. He implemented his studies to become highlighly influential in developing state and national student financial aid policy, legislation, and funding. He went on to work for his institution’s office of student financial aid in 1973 and served as Clemson’s director of student financial aid for 35 years.

Over the course of Marvin’s financial aid career, he worked as president of the South Carolina Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (SCASFAA) in 1981-82, president of the Southern Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (SASFAA) in 1984-85, and NASFAA’s national chair in 1996-97.

Further, Marvin served on numerous boards, including the South Carolina Student Loan Corporation, Greenville Sirrine Scholarship Program, Greenville Urban League, and Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce.

On the student aid front, Marvin participated in many arenas, serving on committees for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges, College Entrance Examination Board, and the Department of Education (ED). Over the course of his career, Marvin influenced the crafting of financial aid policy at both the state and national levels for decades, including developing the legislation for the South Carolina LIFE Scholarship.

In 2021, Marvin was awarded the Clemson University Alumni Association’s Distinguished Service Award. Other honors include the SCASFAA Fearless Nine Service Award, the SASFAA Distinguished Service Award, and the NASFAA Allan W. Purdy Distinguished Service Award and the Regional Leadership Award.

“Early in his leadership at NAFSAA, Marvin pushed our association to be more collaborative, and to get outside ourselves to forge new connections with other national associations representing student personnel, business officers, and our colleagues at the College Board and U.S. Department of Education,” said NASFAA President Justin Draeger. “That sort of forward thinking had positive reverberations and collaborations that continue to this day.”

Throughout his work with NASFAA, Marvin provided exemplary leadership during a period of rapid change for the association, playing a vital role in helping the organization succeed.

“On top of his many accomplishments and accolades, Marvin has played a vital role in the development and success of our organization,” Draeger said. “Given his contributions at the national level, it is not an exaggeration to say his impact has benefited millions of students that are served by the financial aid profession.”

In honor of Marvin’s history of exemplary service, the Clemson University Board of Visitors created the Marvin G. Carmichael Service Award to recognize staff members for outstanding service to the university.

NASFAA is grateful for the impact Marvin has had on the financial aid community as a whole. Our sincerest condolences and best wishes go out to Marvin’s family and friends.

Publication Date: 10/20/2021

Comments Disclaimer: NASFAA welcomes and encourages readers to comment and engage in respectful conversation about the content posted here. We value thoughtful, polite, and concise comments that reflect a variety of views. Comments are not moderated by NASFAA but are reviewed periodically by staff. Users should not expect real-time responses from NASFAA. To learn more, please view NASFAA’s complete Comments Policy.