Transitions in Offices of Financial Aid and Undergraduate Admissions

Wake Forest has announced leadership changes within its Office of Financial Aid and Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Effective July 1, Tom Benza (MA ‘13) will be stepping down as the director of financial aid and will transition to a new role within the Office of Undergraduate Admissions as senior associate dean for external recruitment. Benza has been at Wake Forest for 18 years and has served as director of financial aid for the past four years, overseeing the awarding of federal aid for all schools on the Reynolda Campus as well as federal, institutional and state aid for the college, graduate school and divinity school. In 2018, he was recognized as the University’s Employee of the Year. As senior associate dean for external recruitment, Benza will lead off-campus student recruitment efforts and contribute to undergraduate enrollment direction, strategy and outcomes.

“Tom’s deep understanding of the financial aid process, his commitment to supporting students and his strong leadership skills make him exceptionally well-suited for this important role in undergraduate admissions,” said Eric Maguire, vice president for enrollment at Wake Forest. 

Reflecting on his time with the Office of Financial Aid, Benza said, “It has been an incredible honor to work alongside such a dedicated and caring group of financial aid administrators these past 18 years. Their tireless efforts ensure that a Wake Forest education remains accessible and affordable for students from all backgrounds. While I will miss working with them day-to-day, I am excited to take on this new challenge and continue supporting Wake Forest’s mission in a different capacity.”

Upon Benza’s transition, Christina Tangalakis will assume the role of interim director of financial aid. Tangalakis is an experienced financial aid professional, having previously served in leadership positions at the University of Southern California and Glendale Community College. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Christina to Wake Forest and are grateful to her for stepping in to lead our financial aid operations during this time of transition,” said Maguire. “Her deep expertise and student-centered approach will serve our students and families well.”

Wake Forest will conduct a national search for a permanent director of financial aid during the beginning of the 2024-25 academic year.