MVP Kemmoree Duncombe, FAAC®
By Chloe Stanley, NASFAA Communications and Engagement Assistant
MVP: Most Valuable Professional is an occasional series that features a brief Q&A with a different NASFAA member. Do you know a financial aid colleague with something interesting to say? Send the names of potential future MVPs and a short note about why you're nominating them to [email protected].
Meet Kemmoree Duncombe, FAAC®, director of financial aid at Kirtland Community College.
A committed leader dedicated to student success, Kemmoree leverages more than two decades of experience to give back to the community that shaped her career.
Kemmoree is passionate about supporting the financial aid profession at the institutional and association levels and is actively involved in this work. She currently serves on the PowerFAIDS Advisory Board and the NASFAA First-Time Attendees Task Force, where she has also served as a conference mentor. She has also served as an adjunct instructor for NASFAA U.
For Kemmoree, staying involved is about more than just her own professional growth – it's about elevating the financial aid profession.
“I truly believe in giving back to this profession,” Kemmoree said. “It’s given me so much over the years, and being able to support others, build connections, and help move our work forward is something I deeply value.”
Kemmoree currently serves as the MASFAA Pathways Committee Chair and previously served on multiple regional committees. She has served as a state delegate representing Michigan and has held several leadership roles within her state association, including president, past president, treasurer, and treasurer-elect. She has chaired and co-chaired many committees for her state association, including the training, conference, and association governance committees.
Her experience with financial aid as a student shapes her perspective to this day. Kemmoree remembers feeling confused and not always knowing where to go for help. Now, those feelings fuel her commitment to supporting not only the students, but also the financial aid professionals who work every day to advance student access and success in higher education.
“I want students to feel supported and confident, not overwhelmed,” Kemmoree said. “That purpose has guided me throughout my career, whether I’m working to improve processes, navigating regulatory changes, or mentoring others in the field.”
Learn more about Kemmoree, her interests, and her career path in the Q&A below!
How did you get your start in financial aid?
Like many in this field, I didn’t initially set out to work in financial aid; it found me. What started as an opportunity quickly became a passion once I realized the direct impact we have on students’ lives.
I had scheduled an appointment with the financial aid office because I was having an issue with my account. During the conversation, the director asked me how they could have communicated the issue better. After I shared my thoughts, she smiled and said, “Have you ever thought about working in financial aid?”
At the time, I was washing dishes in the cafeteria, so I honestly wasn’t expecting that question, but I felt incredibly honored to even be considered. I said yes, not fully realizing it would turn into a lifelong career… and the rest is history.
Looking back, that moment changed everything. Helping students navigate barriers and access education gave my work real purpose, and I’ve been committed to the profession ever since.
What have been some of the biggest changes you’ve noticed in the profession since beginning your career?
One of the biggest changes has been how quickly everything moves now, and how much more complex the work has become. There are constant updates, new regulations, FAFSA changes, and new technology, and it’s taught us all to stay flexible and keep learning.
A good example is the FAFSA simplification rollout. It was meant to make things easier for students, but the transition came with delays and a lot of uncertainty. It really challenged us to adapt quickly while still being there for students and families who needed answers.
At the same time, I’ve seen a stronger focus on making sure every student feels supported and has access to opportunities. That shift is something I really value, and it continues to shape how I approach my work every day.
Tell us about your institution. What are some unique aspects of working at Kirtland Community College?
Working at Kirtland Community College is incredibly meaningful because of the population we serve. As a rural community college, we support a high number of first-generation and non-traditional students, including adult learners and veterans. What makes Kirtland unique is our close-knit environment, where we’re able to build strong, personal connections with students and truly walk alongside them in their educational journey. That level of impact is something I don’t take for granted.
What do you find the most rewarding and fulfilling about your work?
The most rewarding part of my work is knowing that what we do can truly change a student’s path. Being able to help someone stay in school or move closer to their goals means everything. There are days when we have to deliver difficult news, and those aren’t easy. But the moments when we’re able to help, when a student can persist, when a process becomes easier, or when a staff member grows, those are the moments that stay with me. I also find fulfillment in developing others and giving back to the profession in ways that go beyond my own institution.
If you could change one thing about financial aid, what would it be?
I would simplify the system. Financial aid can be overly complex for students and families to navigate, and that complexity can become a barrier. Streamlining processes while maintaining integrity would make a meaningful difference in access and student success.
What's something you wish all higher ed folks knew about financial aid?
Financial aid is not just about compliance or awarding funds; it’s about access, retention, and student success. Our work intersects with nearly every area of the institution, and when financial aid is included early in conversations, student outcomes are stronger.
Do you have any recommendations for people just getting started in the field?
Give yourself permission to learn. This is a field where you won’t know everything right away, and that’s okay. Be curious, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. That’s how you grow. One thing I wish I had known earlier in my career is how to give myself grace. You’re going to have moments where things feel overwhelming, and that’s part of the process. Give yourself the space to learn and grow without being too hard on yourself. I also encourage getting involved early, joining associations, volunteering on a committee or Task Force, connecting with others, and finding people you can learn from. This profession is full of individuals who truly want to help you succeed. And most importantly, always remember your “why.” At the end of the day, it’s about your students and the impact you’re making in their lives. That purpose will carry you through even the most challenging days.
What's something you couldn't function without?
A strong support system, both professionally and personally. Having a core group of people to rely on, along with great mentors, makes all the difference. I truly believe no one is an island; we all need someone in our corner at some point. Collaboration is essential in this field, and having a team you can count on is everything. And of course, a good calendar system doesn’t hurt!
Do you have any hobbies or special interests you’d like to share?
I enjoy running, which has become both a personal outlet and a way to challenge myself. It’s taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of pacing, lessons that translate into my professional life.
I also enjoy reading a good book, and cooking for friends and family truly brings me joy. I participate in our local community theater, and when I’m not hiking with my family on weekends, you can usually find me on stage, either in a lead or supporting role, fully embracing the moment (and occasionally memorizing lines at the last minute!).
Any special plans this year?
From a personal standpoint, I’ve signed up for five races, ranging from 5Ks to a half-marathon, and I’ll be starting my Ed.D. journey.
Professionally, I’m focused on continuing to grow as a leader, supporting my team, and contributing to initiatives that improve student access and success. I’m also looking forward to engaging more deeply in professional development opportunities, conferences, and collaborative work across our associations.
Publication Date: 7/8/2026
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