Swarthmore College Associate Vice President for Finance and Administration Greg Brown announced today that Varo L. Duffins will join the Swarthmore community as its new director of financial aid, effective January 19, 2015.

"Varo brings with him more than 20 years of experience as a leader in admissions and financial aid," says Brown, noting his mastery of federal and institutional aid methodologies and development of annual training and outreach programs. "He has an abiding commitment to access, education, and outreach efforts and is described by all as a great mentor and friend to students, families, and colleagues alike.”

“I am excited beyond words,” Duffins says, “to join my new friends at Swarthmore in engaged dialogue centered on access and affordability for our students, as well as for all students seeking higher education at private, liberal arts colleges."

Duffins is currently the senior associate director of financial aid at Franklin & Marshall College, where he has held increasingly responsible positions in admissions and financial aid. In his current role, Duffins has worked strategically and collaboratively to coordinate and improve Franklin & Marshall’s admissions and financial aid efforts. He has also taken a leadership role in the implementation and strategic use of Franklin & Marshall’s Net Price Calculator and has made strides to transition to paperless operations.

In addition to his extensive admissions and financial aid experience, Duffins has been active in several professional organizations and serves on the board of directors of Kids’ Chance of Pennsylvania. In his role at Swarthmore, Duffins will work closely with the Board of Managers’ Committee on Admissions and Financial Aid and various campus constituencies to assure that the College’s financial aid programs reflect its deep commitments to socio-economic diversity, access, and affordability. 

Duffins, who received a B.A. in biology from the University of Delaware and an M.S. in higher education administration from Drexel University, will be joined at the College by his wife, Sharon.