Meet the Staff
We understand that the Financial Aid process can be intimidating and overwhelming for new students and families. DBU has a team of dedicated professionals to guide you through the process. The Dallas Baptist University Financial Aid team can help students successfully navigate the FAFSA application, learn about scholarship opportunities, and other financial aid processes such as the verification process.
Prospective and current students can connect with a member of the Financial Aid team by calling our office at (214) 333-5363 or email finaid@dbu.edu. Don’t forget you can always visit our front desk staff on the lower level of the Mahler Student Center, adjacent to the mail room, for any assistance you may need.
Monica Smart
Director of Financial Aid
Job Description: Financial Aid Program Supervision, Team Leadership, Workflow Management, Federal/State/Institutional Policy Oversight.
Favorite Verse: Now faith is being sure what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. - Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)
Matthew Eurek
Associate Director of Financial Aid
Job Description: Financial Aid Awarding Strategy, Financial Aid Packaging, Tuition Exchange.
Favorite Verse: Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing, and perfect will. - Romans 12:2 (NIV)
Brett Hawkins
Senior Technical Coordinator
Job Description: Colleague System Support, Technology Support, and Financial Aid Reporting.
Favorite Verse: But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. - Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
Barry Pupella
Compliance Coordinator
Job Description: Title IV Compliance, Financial Aid Policies and Procedures, Financial Aid Website Management.
Favorite Verse: So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. - Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)
Melinda Murphy
Title IV Coordinator
Job Description: Training/Mentoring the Awarding Team, Federal and Private Loans, Financial Aid Programs Reconciliation.
Favorite Verse: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. - Philippians 4:13 (NIV)
Ashley Wiedeman
Financial Aid Counselor
Job Description: Verification, Withdraws, Professional Judgments.
Favorite Verse: Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. - Romans 12:12 (NIV)
Enrique Castaneira
Financial Aid Counselor
Job Description: Texas Equalization Grant (TEG) , Federal Pell Grant, Federal Work Study, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Student Worker Management.
Favorite Verse: "If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself" - 2 Timothy 2:13 (NIV)
Kailey Van Gundy
Financial Aid Counselor
Job Description: Student Counseling, Institutional Scholarship Management, Church Match and Internal/External Scholarship Awarding, Tuition Remission.
Favorite Verse: But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. -Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
Geoffrey Miller
Senior Financial Aid Counselor
Job Description: Athletics, Financial Aid Counseling, Student Refunds.
Favorite Verse: Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. - John 14:6 (NIV)
Titanyana Hudson
Financial Aid Counselor
Job Description: Budget and Expense Management, Financial Aid Counseling, Student Communication Management.
Favorite Verse: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil." - Proverbs 3:5-7 (ESV)