GLENDA M. DESPENZA
NEW ORLEANS,Louisiana
Summary
Dynamic professional with extensive experience in quality assessment and review processes, dedicated to ensuring accuracy and compliance across all projects. Proven ability to collaborate effectively with teams, driving high-impact results while adapting seamlessly to shifting priorities. Recognized for strong analytical skills, keen attention to detail, and exceptional communication abilities that enhance organizational success. Reliable and resourceful contributor thriving in environments that require thorough evaluation and constructive feedback.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Institutional Review Specialist
U.S. Department of Education Federal Student Aid
06.2013 - 08.2025
- I bring 37 years of experience in postsecondary financial aid administration, including twelve years serving as a Senior Institutional Review Specialist at the U.S. Department of Education Federal Student Aid. Throughout my career, I have developed deep subject matter expertise in Title IV regulations, program reviews, cash management, compliance audits, and institutional eligibility. My professional responsibilities have encompassed oversight and collaboration with key agencies such as the Office of General Counsel (OGC), Office of Inspector General (OIG), Administrative Actions and Appeals Service Group (AAASG), and Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs). I have led high-risk General Assessment and Focused regulatory reviews that addressed overall compliance and performance as well as focused reviews, coordinating closely with investigative teams and delivering findings and recommendations to senior officials.
- Program Review
- I evaluated domestic and foreign Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) administrative capabilities and financial responsibility of Title IV compliance by enforcing federal guidelines, assessing risks, detecting fraud, and coordinating with agencies. My work ensured adherence to federal standards and integrity in student aid programs.
- Cash Management and Heightened Cash Monitoring/Method of Payment (MOP)
- With experience in Federal Student Aid Programs, I efficiently managed Title IV fund disbursements and reconciliation, ensuring IHEs complied with federal cash management regulations. I monitored federal fund transactions, identified risks, and took initiative-taking steps to ensure program integrity, transparency, and accountability.
- Additionally, I evaluated and processed institutions placed on restrictive methods of payments, verified compliance with guidelines, and offered guidance to maintain financial and regulatory standards.
- Audit Resolution
- Highly skilled in audit resolution and financial reconciliation for Federal Student Aid Programs. Reviewed IHEs annual compliance audit findings, provided final audit determination responses, and ensured timely adherences with federal requirements. Monitored Title IV fund transactions, checked institutional and auditors’ records for accuracy, and confirmed proper accounting of funds. Resolved discrepancies through corrective actions and offered compliance guidance to maintain financial integrity and meet regulatory standards.
- Investigations, Qui Tam, and Fraud Referrals
- Experience investigating institutional compliance and potential fraud in domestic and foreign IHEs. Initiated, supported, and coordinated investigations involving Title IV funds and federal regulations, evaluated evidence, identified fraud indicators, managed Qui Tam cases under the False Claims Act, and prepared referrals for further action.
- Leadership, Mentorship, and Team Development
- Led and mentored peers to promote professional growth and collaboration, emphasizing open communication, accountability, and best practice sharing. Encouraged team development to maintain a skilled, motivated group.
- FSA Competencies
- Title IV Regulatory Compliance & Enforcement. In-depth knowledge of Higher Education Act (HEA) regulations and FSA programs, including Pell Grants, campus-based programs, and Direct Loans. Proficiency in the Department systems: Partner Connect, G5, G6, National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS), Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) and EzAudit.
- Understands sub-regulatory guidance such as Dear Colleague Letters (DCLs), Electronic Announcements (EAs), and the FSA Handbook. Experienced in institutional eligibility, accreditation, state licensure, and evaluating complex ownership structures.
- Federal and Institutional Reporting
- Demonstrated experience with federal and institutional reporting, including Program Review Reports, Final Program Review Determination, Final Audit Determinations, Fiscal Operation Report and Application to Participate. Ensured accurate report submissions, complied with federal deadlines, and maintained documentation for record keeping.
- Federal Experience
- Multi-Regional & Foreign Schools Participation Division (SPD) – 10 Years 2016 – 2025
- Atlanta SPDs – 1 Year 2014 - 2015
- San Francisco /Seattle SPD – 1Year 2013 – 2014
- Accomplishments First Year of Federal Service
- Performed all four core functional areas: Program Review, Method of Payment (MOP), Audit Resolution and Institutional Eligibility.
- Conducted program reviews as Lead and Assist Reviewer; Reviewed and resolved deficient compliance audits, MOP submissions, eligibility applications, and material changes.
- Issued formal compliance and non-compliance determinations to internal and external stakeholders.
- Provided Fundamental executive-level training to IHEs Presidents and CFOs on Title IV requirements.
- Mentored newly hired and experienced Institutional Review Specialist staff across multiple regions.
- Recognized for adaptability, prioritization, and delivering high-quality analytical reporting with defensible conclusions.
- Evaluated applications for financial aid programs, ensuring compliance with federal regulations.
Seasonal Financial Aid Consultant
ProEd Solutions
01.2010 - 01.2013
- Provided short-term compliance, processing, and audit support to educational institutions.
- Assisted with reconciliation, verification, and regulatory remediation efforts.
Director of Financial Aid
Nunez Community College
01.2008 - 01.2013
- Directed all federal, state, and institutional financial aid operations.
- Oversaw compliance with Title IV, Satisfactory Academic Progress, verification, Return to Title IV, and disbursement processes.
- Supervised staff and student employees and guided professional development initiatives.
- Chaired scholarship and appeals committees.
- Prepared for federal and state program reviews and audits.
- Collaborated closely with the Bursar, Registrar, Admissions, and Academic Affairs offices.
- Implemented the Banner integrated student information system.
Coordinator / Assistant Director of Financial Aid
Delgado Community College – Charity School of Nursing
01.2006 - 01.2008
- Developed institutional financial aid policies and procedures.
- Served as Chair of the Financial Aid Appeal Committee.
- Managed compliance reporting and audit coordination.
Financial Aid Leadership & Counseling Roles
Various Universities
01.1988 - 01.2004
- Delivered comprehensive financial aid counseling and conducted needs analysis.
- Administered scholarships, work-study, loan certification, and verification processes.
- Conducted entrance and exit counseling as well as compliance training sessions.
- Reconciled Title IV accounts and student employment earnings.
- Supported audits and met institutional reporting requirements.
- Loyola University
- University of New Orleans
- Louisiana State University
- Tulane University
- Chaminade University
- Travel University International
- Alameda Technical College
- Western Career College
Education
Bachelor of Arts -
Dillard University
New Orleans, LASkills
- Banner
- PeopleSoft
- EDExpress
- EDConnect
- CampusVue
- FX Scholar
- Host Explorer SIS
- ECM
- Document Imaging
- LSU Homegrown Student Information System
- Industry expertise
- Feedback management
- Coaching and mentoring
- Task delegation
Accomplishments
- Performed all four core functional areas: Program Review, Method of Payment (MOP), Audit Resolution and Institutional Eligibility.
- Conducted program reviews as Lead and Assist Reviewer; Reviewed and resolved deficient compliance audits, MOP submissions, eligibility applications, and material changes.
- Issued formal compliance and non-compliance determinations to internal and external stakeholders.
- Provided Fundamental executive-level training to IHEs Presidents and CFOs on Title IV requirements.
- Mentored newly hired and experienced Institutional Review Specialist staff across multiple regions.
- Recognized for adaptability, prioritization, and delivering high-quality analytical reporting with defensible conclusions.
Affiliations
- National Association of Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA)
- Southwestern Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (SWASFAA)
- Louisiana Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (LASFAA)
College & Committee Service
- Delgado Community College – School of Nursing
- Financial Aid Appeal Committee – Chair
- Institutional Policy Committee – Member
- Scholarship Committee – Co-Chair (Subcommittee)
- Nunez Community College
- Scholarship Committee – Chair
- Appeal Committee – Chair
- Chancellor’s Council – Member
Timeline
Senior Institutional Review Specialist
U.S. Department of Education Federal Student Aid
06.2013 - 08.2025
Seasonal Financial Aid Consultant
ProEd Solutions
01.2010 - 01.2013
Director of Financial Aid
Nunez Community College
01.2008 - 01.2013
Coordinator / Assistant Director of Financial Aid
Delgado Community College – Charity School of Nursing
01.2006 - 01.2008
Financial Aid Leadership & Counseling Roles
Various Universities
01.1988 - 01.2004
Bachelor of Arts -
Dillard University