Presenter Bio - Shannon Miles

Shannon Miles serves as the Associate Director in the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW). Shannon works closely with the Office of Military Affairs to ensure that military-affiliated students receive high-quality, well-coordinated support. She collaborates on initiatives such as new student orientations, transition programs, and campus events designed to strengthen belonging and streamline access to resources. Her commitment to this population has helped shape UNCW into a welcoming, service-minded environment for veterans, active-duty service members, and their families.

Shannon has been a dedicated member of the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid since 2002 and brings more than two decades of experience supporting students and families through the financial aid process.

Shannon oversees UNCW’s financial aid counseling team, guiding a group of professionals who provide comprehensive support to both undergraduate and graduate students. In addition to her leadership role, she has served as a School Certifying Official (SCO) for 24 years. When Shannon first began her work with military-affiliated students, the VA program at UNCW consisted of herself as the sole SCO and a small group of VA work-study students. Over the years, she has played a central role in the program’s extraordinary growth—from supporting 225 students using VA benefits to serving more than 1,300 today.

A proud alumna of Roger Williams University, Shannon holds a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology. She later earned her Master of Education from Capella University, deepening her passion for student success, access, and equity. Across all her work, she is motivated by helping students navigate complex systems with confidence, clarity, and compassion.

With more than 30 years in higher education, Shannon brings extensive institutional knowledge, a collaborative spirit, and an unwavering commitment to ensuring that all students—especially those who have served our country—receive the support they need to succeed.