LOSFA Executive Staff
A native of Natchitoches and Baton Rouge, Dr. Susannah F. Craig graduated from the College of Human Sciences & Education at Louisiana State University and A & M College with a B.S in Elementary Education, an M. A. in Curriculum & Instruction with a focus in science, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction with a focus in Science Assessment policy and practice. After teaching in the public schools for six years, she spent 18 years at the Louisiana Department of Education working in Content Standards and Assessment.
Following her tenure at LDOE, Dr. Craig spent four years as an Associate Professor in the Science/Mathematics Education doctoral program within the College of Sciences & Engineering at Southern University and A & M College before moving to the Louisiana Board of Regents. Dr. Craig’s primary role at the Board of Regents has been to collaborate with System Chief Academic Officers to support academic and student affairs activities that drive progress toward statewide postsecondary Master Plan goals.
In addition, Dr. Craig and her team support accreditation activities, policies and procedures, and legislative studies. She works particularly to promote digital opportunity projects; student mental health and wellness; and the Hunger-Free Campus Initiative. Dr. Craig also facilitates teacher, leadership, and early childhood initiatives; Title IX and power-based violence programs; and dual enrollment to support collaboration between secondary and postsecondary institutions. Dr. Craig serves as the liaison between the Board of Regents and the Louisiana Department of Education, the Board of Elementary & Secondary Education, and the Louisiana Department of Health.
Dr. Craig was named Interim Executive Director of LOSFA on November 17, 2025.
Ebony Holmes
Director of Public Information & Advising
Ms. Holmes began her career at LOSFA in 2004 as a Student Financial Aid Specialist in the Default Recoveries section before joining the Division of Public Information and Communications in 2012 as a Public Information Officer. In this role, Ms. Holmes supervises the agency’s incoming communications and customer service operations in addition to overseeing programmatic campaign content. She also facilitates workshops, presentations, and webinars on behalf of LOSFA and represents the agency at local, regional, and national levels. Ms. Holmes previously served as co-lead for a College Affordability Work Group with the Louisiana Board of Regents Student Success Council and served as the state coordinator for Louisiana College Application and Access Month (LCAAM). She leads Louisiana’s FAFSA® efforts, serving as on-air talent and collaborating nationally with postsecondary and college access organizations as a FAFSA® subject matter expert.
She is a proud alumna of Louisiana State University, holding a bachelor’s degree in Zoology and a master’s degree in Natural Science.
Shayne Creppel, Ph.D.
Director of Collegiate and Community Outreach
Dr. Shayne Creppel serves as the Director of Collegiate and Community Outreach for the Division of College Access, Success, and Communications. Prior to joining LOSFA in September of 2021, he worked in Student Affairs at Northwestern State University. During his time at Northwestern State, Shayne served as the Director of Fraternal Leadership and Civic Engagement where he advised the Student Government Association and the NSU fraternity and sorority life community. Previously, he also served as the Assistant Director of Student Life and as an academic advisor.
Dr. Creppel earned his Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Louisiana State University and holds both a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management and Tourism and a Master of Arts in Student Personnel Services from Northwestern State University. He brings his experience in communications, promotions, event planning, policy drafting, organizational change, leadership development, and program management to serve students, families, and stakeholders through LOSFA Programs.
Robyn Lively
Senior Attorney
Robyn Lively graduated from law school and was admitted to the state bar in 2000. Thereafter, worked in the private sector for one year, and was hired by LOSFA on October 15, 2001. I provide legal support for the agency, including, but not limited to, negotiation of contracts, review of policy/procedure documents, rule-making for all programs administered by the office, TOPS exceptions, personnel matters, legislative matters, etc..
Deborah Paul
Director of Scholarships and Grants
Deborah Paul has worked as the Scholarship and Grant Director since 2009. She has more than 30 years of professional experience in the areas of financial aid, college access, and athletics compliance.
The Scholarship & Grant Division administers several state scholarship and grants programs which include the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students/TOPS, as well as the GO Grant, Rockefeller State Wildlife Scholarship, TOPS Tech Early Start, Go Youth ChalleNGe Program, Regional Contract Program, BESE Tuition Program for Teachers, Geaux Teach Scholarship Program, M. J. Foster Promise Program, Patriot Scholarship Program and the John R. Justice Student Loan Repayment Program. In conjunction with the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services, we administer the Chafee Education and Training Voucher and Strategies to Empower People programs.
Previous work experience includes stints in the financial aid office at Southern University and Louisiana State University. She also served as the SU Department of Athletics Compliance Coordinator and Senior Woman Administrator. Deborah received a bachelor’s degree in print journalism and a master’s degree in mass media, both from Southern University, Baton Rouge. She also studied at Ohio State University and LSU.