Her Story
About Mary
Mary Nucciarone is the Senior Director of Financial Aid at the University of Notre Dame, where she has dedicated more than four decades to advancing student access to higher education through financial aid leadership. Beginning her career in 1984 as a temporary employee in a financial aid office, she has built an accomplished career overseeing the administration of hundreds of millions of dollars in federal, state, and institutional financial aid. She works closely with students, families, university leadership, and external partners to develop policies, enhance affordability initiatives, and support enrollment management while fostering equitable access to higher education.
Throughout her career, Nucciarone has been a respected leader in the financial aid profession, serving in numerous national and regional leadership roles. She is a member of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators' Executive Leadership Collective and serves on the Board of Directors for the Private College 529 Plan by CollegeWell. She is also a longtime board member and past president of the Scholarship Foundation of St. Joseph County, where she continues to help expand scholarship opportunities for local students. Her previous leadership positions with the College Board, including serving as Trustee and Chair of the College Scholarship Service Council, reflect her longstanding commitment to shaping financial aid policy and advancing best practices across higher education.
Nucciarone earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with a minor in Psychology from Marquette University. Her expertise spans student financial aid, enrollment management, nonprofit leadership, public policy, employee training, student development, and higher education administration. Recognized for her exceptional service, she has received honors including the Rev. William A. Toohey, C.S.C. Award for Social Justice, the Spirit of Holy Cross Award, and the NASFAA Most Valuable Professional Award. Beyond her professional responsibilities, she remains passionate about mentoring students and families, supporting scholarship initiatives, and helping future generations achieve their educational goals.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Mary
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the exceptional leaders who have guided and inspired me throughout my career. I've been fortunate to be surrounded by talented individuals whose mentorship, support, and example have helped shape my growth and contributed significantly to my success.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received was to believe in myself, especially when facing challenges. I've learned to trust my knowledge and abilities, stay confident during difficult times, and remember that my contributions are valued by the people I work with.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to be authentic and pursue work that truly aligns with your passion. Don't settle for simply doing a job—build a career with purpose. Seek out a mentor early, be willing to take thoughtful risks, and don't be afraid to say no to opportunities that don't align with your values or long-term goals.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field are the impact of public policy, increasing political division, an aging workforce, and the growing influence of AI, which is changing how we work.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me are honesty, humility, respect, communication, teamwork, accountability, and a strong sense of community. I also believe in being present, having fun, and making a positive difference in someone's day whenever I can.
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