Vincent Harris Jr.

Vincent Harris Jr. serves as the Executive Director of Scholarships and Financial Aid at Fayetteville State University, a role he has held since February 2023. In this capacity, he leads strategic initiatives designed to improve student access, affordability, and overall success. With more than fifteen years of progressive experience in financial aid administration, Vincent brings a comprehensive, student-centered approach to enrollment support, compliance, and institutional resource management, ensuring that students receive timely and equitable access to financial assistance.

Before joining Fayetteville State University, Vincent dedicated twelve years to the City Colleges of Chicago system, where he developed extensive expertise across multiple campuses within a large, urban community college network. Throughout his tenure, he held a range of increasingly responsible leadership roles, including Financial Aid Advisor, Financial Aid Analyst, Assistant Director, Director, and ultimately Executive Director of Student Financial Aid Services. His experience across these roles allowed him to build a deep understanding of federal and state regulations, operational effectiveness, and the complexities of administering financial aid programs at scale.
During his time in Chicago, Vincent successfully led initiatives that improved service delivery, strengthened compliance practices, and enhanced cross-campus coordination. He worked collaboratively with institutional leaders to streamline processes, implement system-wide policies, and improve the overall student experience. His leadership contributed to more efficient operations and better alignment between financial aid services and broader institutional goals, particularly in support of student retention and completion.

At Fayetteville State University, Vincent has continued to demonstrate strong leadership and adaptability. He has played an integral role in advancing enrollment management efforts and has provided critical leadership continuity during a transitional period in which the university operated without an Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management. In this capacity, he partnered with senior leadership to ensure the stability and effectiveness of key enrollment functions and supported the university’s commitment to student success.
Vincent is also an active contributor to the university’s Strategic Enrollment Management Committee, where he collaborates with colleagues across campus to design and implement initiatives that enhance recruitment, retention, and student engagement. His work emphasizes the importance of clear communication, data-informed decision-making, and holistic student support services that address both financial and academic needs.

A dedicated advocate for students and families, Vincent is passionate about simplifying the financial aid process and making it more accessible and transparent. His professional interests include regulatory compliance, process improvement through automation and technology, and the development of innovative communication strategies that improve student understanding of financial aid resources. Through his leadership, Vincent remains committed to fostering an environment in which all students have the financial knowledge and support necessary to achieve their educational goals.