Nelnet President reappointed to Department of Education Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance

Dec 02, 2004

(Lincoln, Neb.) - Nelnet announced today that Don Bouc, the company's President, was reappointed by the United States Secretary of Education to serve a second term on the Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance. Officially his term began on October 1, 2004 and ends September 30, 2007. He is attending the first meeting of his new term today in Washington, D.C.

The Advisory Committee provides advice and counsel to the Secretary of Education and Congress regarding student financial aid policy. Established by Congress with the enactment of the Higher Education Amendments of 1986, the purpose of the Advisory Committee as originally defined in statute is to: provide extensive knowledge and understanding of federal, state, and institutional programs of postsecondary student assistance; provide technical expertise with regard to systems of need analysis and application forms; and make recommendations that will result in the maintenance of access to postsecondary education for low- and middle income students.

"It's a privilege to continue serving on the Advisory Committee," commented Bouc. "I look forward to working with my colleagues to address vital student financial aid issues, especially focusing on simplifying the financial aid process and improving access to higher education."

The congressional mandate requires the Advisory Committee to conduct objective, nonpartisan, and independent analyses on important aspects of the student assistance programs under Title IV of the Higher Education Act. The Committee works from a set of fundamental goals: promoting access; ensuring program integrity; integrating delivery across the postsecondary programs; eliminating or avoiding program complexity; and minimizing burden on students and institutions.

The eleven members of the Advisory Committee serve staggered three-year terms. The leaders of the House of Representatives appoint three members, three are appointed by leaders of the Senate, and five are appointed by the Secretary of Education.

Don Bouc has served as President of Nelnet since the company's formation in 1997. Prior to joining Nelnet, he served as President of the Nebraska Higher Education Loan Program. Bouc assisted in the creation of the Education Finance Council, serving as Chairman from 1993-1995. He holds a bachelor's of Science in Math Education and a master's of Computer Science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Nelnet is one of the leading education finance companies in the United States and is focused on providing quality student loan products and services to students and schools nationwide. With over $14 billion in total assets, Nelnet originates in excess of $3 billion for itself and its service partners annually, and its servicing software is used by approximately 35 clients, including Nelnet, to service nearly $50 billion in student loans. Nelnet ranks among the nation's leaders in terms of total student loan assets.

Nelnet offers a broad range of student loan and financial services and technology-based products, including student loan origination and lending, guarantee servicing, and a suite of software solutions. Our products are designed to simplify the student loan process by automating financial aid delivery, loan processing, and funds disbursement. Our services help to facilitate and streamline education finance for all involved in the industry, including student and parent borrowers, lenders, financial aid officers, guaranty agencies, governmental agencies, servicers, and the capital markets.

Additional information is available at www.nelnet.net.

Media Contact:
Sheila Odom
402.458.2329
nelnetcommunications@nelnet.net

Investor Contact:
Cheryl Watson
317.469.2064
investorrelations@nelnet.net