Preferred name: Gina Havel Palmatier.  Gina came to WPI in 2021 as a member of the Financial Aid Front line team and is now an Assistant Director - Financial Aid Programs.  Gina is responsible for awarding all undergraduate students with last names starting with MD – SA.  She is also responsible for awarding all ROTC awards, managing the Federal Work Study program and administering the Tuition Exchange Scholarship program.  Gina earned her Bachelors of Arts degree (1991) and Masters in Education, Higher Education Administration (2006) from the University of Texas at Austin.  Prior to coming to WPI, Gina had 28 years of service at University of Texas at Austin Scholarships and Financial Aid Office as a Senior Financial Aid Counselor and Program manager, (retiring in May 2020). 

“I enjoy assisting families make informed decisions regarding higher education financing options and college choices. It may not seem like much, but almost everything we do in financial aid has a potential to make a direct and positive impact on the lives of our students and their families. Students bring their dreams to college; Financial Aid administrators help make those dreams come true”.

When not at work, Gina and husband, Michael Palmatier, enjoy traveling New England, hiking/walking local trails in search of waterfalls, entertaining the three grandchildren, and spending time with their Sheepadoodle dog-child, Schaefer.  Gina’s hobbies include vegetable gardening, beginner sewing and quilting“