Jen Woodell receives 2020 Carolyn Donahue Friend of Equal Opportunity Education Award

Castleton, VT (01/15/2021) — Castleton University's Jennifer Woodell, a financial and registration services consultant, is the 2020 recipient of the Carolyn Donahue Friend of Equal Opportunity Education Award.

Woodell, who has helped thousands of Castleton students understand their financial aid options, said the best part of her job is working with students.

"Our Spartans are the best students, individually and as a community, and they inspire me daily," Woodell said. "It makes me feel truly honored. I have the privilege of working with a phenomenal community here at Castleton, and to be singled out was unexpected and quite humbling."

Each year, the Vermont Educational Opportunity Programs Board (VEOP) honors an individual who works outside of an educational opportunity program to ensure broad access to higher education.

Woodell, who began working at Castleton in 1997, has been particularly helpful to the first-generation, low-income students who participate in Castleton's Student Support Services (SSS) program.

"I hope I was chosen because I have been able to shine a little light on the overwhelming process that is financing a college education," Jen said. "If I have ever been able to meet with a student and have them leave our office with understanding and hopefully a smile, then mission accomplished."

Associate Dean of Student Success Kelley Beckwith is grateful for Woodell's efforts with students.

"Jen epitomizes our belief here at Castleton that everyone is an educator," Beckwith said. "SSS students frequently name Jen as one of their biggest supporters on campus."

Woodell said it is her fundamental belief that it's important to have a college education, not just for employment, but to be the best version of yourself.

"I feel like I get to see a glimpse of the future. I have been fortunate to see so many students change from new freshmen to mature seniors and go out and make a difference, whether they're changing the world, or just their own world. It makes me very proud - of them and of Castleton."

Jen's colleagues praise her kindness and professionalism. Writing Specialist Doe Dahm said she has often walked distressed students to Woodell's cubicle.

"These students are worried that they won't receive financial aid or that they won't be able to complete college," Dahm said. "But they palpably relax as Jen explains their options. By the end of the conversation, they understand their next steps, and they leave with a smile."

VEOP is a professional organization actively working to ensure equal access to and success in higher education for Vermont students. VEOP's 13 Educational Opportunity Programs serve over 6,600 Vermonters, most of whom are the first in their families to attend college, are low-income, come from underrepresented backgrounds, or who have a disability.

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