Employee Directory
Dr. Sujuan Williams Boutté earned her Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education, her Master’s Degree in Administration, and Specialist’s and Doctorate Degrees in Education Technology and Leadership. She has earned numerous awards and recognition over the past 42 years in the field of training and development due to her demonstration of integrating converging technology platforms into innovative experiential instructional methods and program design in the areas of workforce development and college access. These awards include: Teacher of the Year, Outstanding Young Educator, Turner Broadcasting National Faculty Member, IBM Education Specialist, and National College Attainment Network Board Member (NCAN).
Dr. Boutte was inducted into Northwestern State University’s Alumni Hall of Distinction, the Long Purple Line. The Long Purple Line was established to provide recognition and appreciation to individuals whose career accomplishments or service to their fellow man have enhanced the reputation and prestige of Northwestern State University. Selection is based upon past or continuing achievements in individuals’ careers, exemplary and extraordinary service to community, state and nation or both career accomplishments and service to mankind including service to their alma mater.
Before being named Executive Director of LOSFA, Sujuan’s career journey included: 13 years as a Supervising classroom teacher; Education Instruction Specialist Trainer for IBM and NSU Pre-Service Education Majors; Director of Conferences and Customized Training for Northwestern State University; Assistant Secretary of Workforce Development for the Louisiana Department of Labor; Chief Research and Planning Officer for the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance; Workforce Planning Executive Consultant for the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality and Deputy Executive Director of LOSFA.
Shanna Estay
Director of Business Intelligence and Technology Services
Shanna M. Estay brings more than 15 years of experience in higher education, budgeting and data reporting to her role as Policy Planner for LOSFA. Most recently, she served as a State Budget Management Analyst in the Office of Planning and Budget. Prior to that, she worked with the Southern University System and its campuses for 10 years.
Ebony Holmes
Director of Public Information & Advising
Ebony 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. In 2015, she also served as one of the State Coordinators for Louisiana College Application and Access Month (LCAAM). Ms. Holmes currently serves as the Director of Public Information and Advising for the College Access, Success, and Communications Division. Her current role involves monitoring and addressing issues related to TOPS processing errors, disseminating information regarding LOSFA programs to the public and other relevant stakeholders, and ensuring outreach and advising efforts reflect best practices for college access. Ms. Holmes also facilitates workshops, presentations, and webinars on behalf of LOSFA for parents, students, and counselors and represents LOSFA at local, regional, and national levels. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Zoology with a minor in Chemistry and a Master of Natural Sciences degree with a minor in Biochemistry, both from Louisiana State University.
Shayne Creppel
Director of Collegiate and Community Outreach
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.
Shayne earned his Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management and Tourism and his Master of Arts in Student Personnel Services from Northwestern State University. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Higher Education Administration at Louisiana 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 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.
