James Gaeta sees himself as a problem solver. Whether it's tearing into the walls of his master bathroom for a renovation project or finding a way for a student to afford college, Gaeta loves a challenge.

His latest challenge is moving from the Admission Office at Southwestern to his new position as director of financial aid. Gaeta now oversees the financial aid process and budget for the University. While he is excited by the new opportunity, Gaeta initially had doubts about the transition.

"I was concerned I didn't know enough about financial aid, but everyone has been supportive of the move and that's comforting."

The San Antonio native is learning quickly what his new role will mean to himself and to the families of current and future Southwestern students.

"I've realized that what I'm doing makes a difference in people's lives. If it weren't for financial aid, many couldn't be here. It's rewarding to be in a position to help families."

Gaeta has been a part of the Southwestern family since 1983, when he began his freshman year as a music major. Although he later turned to finance and completed his bachelor of business administration, singing has continued to be an important part of his life. Gaeta currently sings with Austin's Capital City Men's Chorus. The singing group recently finished recording a Christmas C.D. to be released later this year.

Upon graduation, Gaeta's brief job search led him right back to Southwestern and into the Admission Office.

"My original goal was to graduate, go to Dallas, and make millions. But my senior year I decided I didn¹t want to go out into the cruel business world. At Southwestern, you're part of a community of great people. I quickly saw it was a wonderful place to be career-wise."

Gaeta stayed in the Admission Office more than a decade, most recently as Associate Director of Admission. In addition to his duties at Southwestern, he currently is treasurer of the Texas Association for College Admission Counseling.

One aspect of the new job Gaeta says he is most looking forward to is renewing relationships with the students he helped recruit to SU.

"I'm anxious to get to know them again. I would help bring them to campus, but as soon as they got here, I was off recruiting a new class. It will be fun to work with them again."

Gaeta anticipates some aspects of his position will be difficult.

"Having to tell people 'no'. We're serving a lot of people, dealing with a lot of different issues. Sometimes we have to tell them 'no'. That's especially difficult when you know someone really wants to be here."

While few may comprehend all of the issues that determine a student's financial aid, Gaeta says the internet has increased public awareness of the subject. People can now gain access to information on scholarships and federal programs online.

Still, it seems Gaeta's days of recruiting aren't quite over yet.

Because his new position in financial aid will require much less travel than his work in admissions, Gaeta is now looking forward to adding a new member to his household.

"I want to get a dog. I'm finally in a position where I'm able to take care of it. Let everyone know I'm looking in case they want to help."