In 1992, Eleanor S. Morris had directed the Office of Scholarship and Student Aid since 1980 and was assistant director of student aid from 1964 to 1969. The Chapel Hill native earned her bachelor’s degree in English at Carolina.
The award citation acknowledged Morris’ national reputation for leadership and success in steering her own office through major changes in federal student-aid legislation and regulations.
She had “steadily led her staff to increase effectiveness, standing by students who depended upon their help in a time of increasing need and shrinking resources,” said the citation, which also mentioned her efforts to champion the James M. Johnston scholarship program and enhance ties with scholarship donors.
Morris earned the 1991 National Association of Student Financial Administrators Distinguished Service Award. She is past president of the Southern Association of Financial Aid Administrators.