Shala LaTorraca

I am a Kansas and Oklahoma girl. I received my Master’s Degree in Church Planting and Church Growth in 1998, and then added an additional emphasis of Christian Leadership in 2002.  While earning my degrees, I was employed in the financial aid office at my university, working my way up from being a work study until the time when I was promoted to Director of Financial Aid.  I eventually left to pursue full-time ministry at a local church and again started as an entry level worker and was promoted into an Associate Pastor role during my tenure there.  During that time, I met my future husband.  When we were married, we moved to Connecticut and built a family.  In November 2020, we moved back to Oklahoma, specifically to Bartlesville, to be closer to family and friends here.  I have always enjoyed the educational arena (I love to learn); however, I never thought I would be employed at a university again, especially in financial aid.  However, when the opportunity to be the Director of Financial Aid arose at OKWU, I jumped at the chance because God had prepped my heart – I knew a change was coming.  I am super excited to be on staff and help students and families navigate the many financial aspects of obtaining a degree.