David R. Smedley
About David R. Smedley
David R. Smedley is the Associate Director of Compliance and Policy at the Office of Student Financial Assistance at The George Washington University, where he has worked since 2008. He has extensive experience in financial aid compliance, having participated in various negotiated rulemakings and served in leadership roles within educational finance committees.
Work at The George Washington University
David R. Smedley has held the position of Associate Director for Compliance & Policy in the Office of Student Financial Assistance at The George Washington University since 2008. In this role, he oversees compliance with federal regulations related to student financial aid. He has contributed to the university's financial assistance policies and practices, ensuring adherence to Title IV requirements. His long tenure at the university reflects his commitment to student financial aid and compliance.
Education and Expertise
David R. Smedley earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Temple University, studying from 1981 to 1996. He also obtained a Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) with a focus on Public Administration, American Government, and Urban Politics from Temple University, completing his studies in 1987. His educational background provides a foundation for his expertise in compliance and policy within the realm of student financial assistance.
Professional Experience and Roles
In addition to his current role at The George Washington University, David R. Smedley serves as the Director of Financial Aid at Essex County College in Newark, New Jersey, a position he has held since 2018. His previous experience includes managing a Title IV recertification and federal program review at a New Jersey county college shortly after starting his tenure there. He has also participated in various working groups and committees related to financial aid.
Contributions to Policy and Compliance
David R. Smedley has actively participated in significant regulatory discussions, serving as an alternate negotiator for the U.S. Department of Education's Teacher Preparation Negotiated Rulemaking in 2012 and being involved in the General & Non-Loan Programmatic Issues Negotiated Rulemaking in 2009. He has also created processes for reviewing academic programs for Title IV compliance and assisted the Provost's office with MSCHE self-study issues.
Conference Presentations and Editorial Roles
David R. Smedley has presented at various conferences, including AACRAO, NASFAA, EASFAA, NJASFAA, and PASFAA. He has served on the editorial board of the Journal of Student Financial Aid and held the position of Associate Editor for Practice. His involvement in these professional activities highlights his engagement with the broader financial aid community and his commitment to advancing knowledge in the field.