About me
Rachael Koehler, MBA, is a financial aid leader with more than a decade of experience in higher education and currently serves as Associate Director of Financial Aid for Iowa Valley Community College District. She provides strategic leadership for the administration of federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs and is committed to advancing equitable access to education by removing financial barriers, ensuring regulatory compliance, and strengthening financial aid operations to support student success and institutional goals.
Her higher education career spans student accounts, continuing education, and financial aid, providing a comprehensive understanding of the student experience from enrollment through completion. Under her leadership, the Marshalltown Community College Financial Aid Office received the prestigious John E. Moore Award, recognizing the office's exceptional service and commitment to students and the community.
Rachael is an active member of NASFAA and IASFAA and contributes to the advancement of the profession through service on PowerFAIDS advisory boards and committees. She has also served as a Senior Consultant for the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA), partnering with under-resourced institutions to strengthen financial aid operations, improve compliance, and implement best practices that enhance student service.
In addition to her administrative leadership, Rachael serves as an adjunct business instructor, teaching courses in management, marketing, business analytics, and career development. She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Education at Iowa State University, where her research examines financial aid leadership and the strategic role financial aid professionals play in institutional decision-making, student success, and higher education policy. Through her research, professional service, and leadership, Rachael advocates for elevating the role of financial aid as a strategic partner in advancing enrollment, persistence, and equitable student outcomes.
