Faculty and Staff Spotlight - Travis Hitchins '12/M'23

Mar 31, 2026 10:00 AM

Bobcat Bulletin Faculty and Staff Spotlight highlights employees who are making a difference on our campus every day and helping to change the lives of our students. This edition of Bobcat Bulletin features Travis Hitchins '12/M'23.

Position and Department:

Director of Financial Aid

How long have you worked at FSU?

I began working in Financial Aid as a federal work-study student in 2007. I’ve been working full-time at FSU for 14 years. 

What 3 words can you use to describe FSU?

Home, Impactful, Opportunity 

List any professional or personal accomplishments we can celebrate with you.

Professionally, I’m extremely proud of how far the FSU Financial Aid Office has come under my leadership and the positive impact our terrific crew has made for students and families.   

What is your favorite thing about working at Frostburg State University?

My favorite thing about working at FSU is the opportunity I have in my hometown to positively impact so many lives while honoring the legacy of all those family, friends, faculty, staff, students and stakeholders that have come before me. 

Is there a faculty and/or staff member that you consider a mentor? If so, who and why?

From day one I have tried to soak in every little bit of knowledge and wisdom possible. The FSU Business Department pushed me to dream big. Educators like Dr. Amit Shah, Dr. Mike Monahan M’91, Dr. Tony Stair and many others helped me feel at home as a first-generation student. Team members like Scott Fridley and Jessica Taylor ‘03/M’05 helped show me the ropes early on. Angie Hovatter ‘97/M'01, Tina Nightingale ‘85/M’95 and Sara Wilhelm ‘02/M’18 were absolutely critical in my development. They support me to this day. People like Troy Donoway, Denise Schurg ‘96/M’05 and Dr. Jeff Graham D’15 have shown great confidence in me and encouraged me as I grow in my role as a director. There are just too many people to list who have impacted my life and my career here at FSU. I try to do the same for others.

What advice would you give to current students?

I tell students all the time to utilize everything FSU has to offer. Be kind and work hard. You never know who is watching. Every assignment, work-study job, interaction or volunteer experience could be planting the seed for something unexpected ten years from now.