NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Chad C. Sartini, Ph.D., has been named Financial Aid Executive Director at Tennessee State University, where he will lead student-centered financial aid operations, compliance, and service delivery. In alignment with President Dwayne Tucker’s priorities to strengthen access and accelerate TSU’s multi‑year transformation, Sartini will oversee financial aid strategy, process improvement, communications, and cross‑campus collaboration to support student success.
A seasoned financial aid professional with nearly two decades of experience, Sartini brings a track record of advancing college access and removing financial barriers so students can pursue their higher‑education goals. Most recently, he served as Director of Financial Aid, Veterans’ Services, and Student Records at Virginia Western Community College in Roanoke, Virginia, where he grew up. He previously served as Associate Director for Client Services in the Office of University Scholarships and Financial Aid at Virginia Tech.
Sartini is professionally engaged at the state, regional, and national levels through the Virginia Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (VASFAA), the Southern Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (SASFAA), and the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA). Well respected in the field, he was recently elected president‑elect of SASFAA.
He holds a Doctor of Philosophy in community college leadership from Old Dominion University, a master’s degree from Teachers College, Columbia University in New York City, and a bachelor’s degree in politics and Russian studies from Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia.
Sartini said he is excited to join the Tennessee State community and help elevate the student experience through high‑quality service and compliance.
“I am excited about the opportunity to join the Tennessee State family. Financial aid is a very important piece of the college going experience for many students and families. I want to build a financial aid office at TSU that treats everyone with dignity and respect while maintaining the highest standards of federal and state compliance. I feel like I have been given the opportunity to be a part of something truly great and transformational at TSU, and I look forward to working with the amazing students, faculty, staff, and administration that make TSU great and will lead it to even greater success” Sartini said.
President Tucker said Sartini brings deep expertise and a commitment to student‑centered service.
“Chad pairs strong technical knowledge of financial aid with a clear passion for helping students access and complete college,” Tucker said. “His leadership and collaborative approach will strengthen our compliance, streamline processes, and improve service—critical elements as we continue to transform TSU for the future.”
Sartini’s appointment underscores TSU’s commitment to accountability, access, and operational excellence as the university advances its transformation and remains focused on student success.
