Electronic Student Systems Expert Joins WesternU as Financial Aid Director

Otto W. Reyer, MA, nationally renowned for his expertise in transforming

student financial aid offices into virtually “”paperless”” departments with

the help of sophisticated electronic database systems, has joined Western

University of Health Sciences (WesternU) as director of financial aid.

Reyer comes to WesternU even as he continues his work as a consultant for

the U.S. Department of Education’s Project EASI, an information and

systems redesign and reengineering plan for federal and other delivery

systems of higher education student financial aid.

“”We’re extremely fortunate that someone of Otto’s reputation and mastery

has elected to join us here at WesternU,”” said Philip Pumerantz, PhD,

president. “”We’re looking forward to working with him as we improve upon

our already solid systems and provide an even higher level of service to

our students.””

One of Reyer’s major goals as director of financial aid will be to work

with the University’s information technology department as WesternU

upgrades its financial aid, student affairs and admissions departments to

predominately electronic (i.e. “”paperless””) systems.

“”We’re going to move this campus to the next level,”” Reyer said.

“”But more importantly, we intend to serve WesternU’s students,”” he

added. “”They’re the reason the department even exists and if we can make

their financial lives easier, thus leaving their minds free for what’s

really important – their studies – then I’ve accomplished what I’ve come

to do.””

Reyer served as assistant vice chancellor and director of financial aid at

the University of California, Irvine from 1973 to 1996. It was during his

tenure there that he and his staff, using a highly sophisticated

information technology system, converted the department into its present

electronic state.

Reyer also was a founding member of the Federal Direct Student Loan

Program (initial schools).

Reyer has worked as a senior vice president for American Express,

Educational Loans; as a consultant for the U.S. Department of Health and

Human Services and the State of California, Student Aid Commission; and as

a speaker/trainer for the U.S. Department of Defense-Overseas High School

Program; as well as a variety of other consultant roles with universities,

colleges and career schools with an emphasis on information technology and

integration with student systems.

Reyer lives in Irvine with his wife, Bebe. They have one adult daughter,

L.D.