In the Spotlight
Kansas

Myra Pfannenstiel
As Financial Aid Director at Friends University, Myra Pfannenstiel feels that she is truly making a difference in the lives of those around her. She is a person who is always willing to help co-workers, associates, and students who call on her.

Husband Craig's job with Coca-Cola has kept Myra's family on the move. She began her financial aid career at Johnson County Community College. There she worked as a receptionist at the front desk in the financial aid department, before moving on to EDE Processing. Then it was on to Colorado where she worked as a verification clerk at Aims Community College. With the move to Wichita, she went to work as a financial aid counselor at Friends University, before taking the position of Financial Aid Director in 1997. Myra believes that the support, guidance and trust she receives from those around her have allowed her to be successful in her career. If it had not been for others willing to give her the opportunities needed to learn and grow she would not be in the position that she now holds.

Myra was raised in Ness City KS, the fifth of eight children. She remains very close to her parents and siblings and enjoys getting together for family gatherings. She and Craig have three children, Mandy, a student at Friends, Dustin, who is a high school freshman and Nicole, who is in the fifth grade. Between sporting events - and there are many - Myra likes to spend time catching up with friends and family. She attributes her desire to make a difference to her parents. They always took time for what was important - making time for their children. This was not always an easy task when you consider keeping a schedule for eight very active and involved children. Their family motto was: "As long as we have each other then anything is possible."

Tony Lubbers, Assistant Financial Aid Director at Friends says that Myra has provided her staff with the empowerment to succeed. "She trusts us to do what she knows we can do. That is the mark of a good leader."

"She's the best," says Karen Percival, Friends' Associate Financial Aid Director. "Myra is very knowledgeable about all facets of the financial aid world and is a joy to work with. So upbeat and raring to go."

When asked what keeps her in Financial Aid, Myra says that the students keep her going. This job helps fulfill her need to make a difference.