Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic
Cordelia DeCosta-Davis

Cordelia DeCosta-Davis

Director of Financial Aid
Raleigh,NC

Summary

Resourceful Assistant Director of Financial Aid known for high productivity and efficient task completion. Skilled in financial planning, regulatory compliance, and student counseling. Excelling in communication, problem-solving, and adaptability to ensure seamless operations in financial aid processes. Committed to providing exceptional support and guidance to students navigating financial aid opportunities.

Accomplished student operations professional with over 25 years of experience in optimizing educational financing pathways and facilitating credential achievement processes for diverse student populations. Expertise in the design and execution of innovative financial strategies that enhance access to education, reflected in measurable outcomes across various demographics. Demonstrated capability to excel in high-pressure settings, consistently achieving top-tier results through meticulous project management and a steadfast commitment to stakeholder engagement.

I possess a comprehensive skill set encompassing accounting, operational efficiency, strategic planning, and administrative oversight, enabling successful management of complex projects from concept to delivery. My dedication to student empowerment is underpinned by advanced studies in management and continuous professional development, ensuring alignment with evolving industry standards and practices. Recognized for my leadership acumen, I thrive in collaborative environments, effectively bridging organizational objectives with the financial requirements of students and their families.

Overview

35
35
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Assistant Director of Financial Aid

Durham Tech Community College
Durham
03.2021 - Current

- Collaborated on the formulation, execution, and ongoing management of financial aid policies and procedural frameworks.
- Ensured the integrity of financial transactions by maintaining comprehensive and precise records within the Financial Aid Office.
- Conducted workshops and presentations designed to elucidate financial aid options and enhance students' understanding of the aid process.
- Performed thorough audits of student files to verify compliance with established criteria and completeness.
- Delivered personalized counseling sessions to students, guiding them through various financial aid program options, and eligibility requirements.
- Provided informed advisement regarding financial aid choices, encompassing grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study opportunities.
- Oversaw adherence to federal, state, and institutional guidelines for student financial aid disbursement.
- Conducted meticulous reviews of financial aid award packages to guarantee accuracy before the allocation of funds.
- Aided students in the completion of necessary documentation, including FAFSA submissions, by addressing inquiries and disseminating critical information.
- Identified and recommended enhancements to current operational processes and procedures within the Financial Aid Office to optimize efficiency.

- Oversaw the training for new hires on institutional policies and federal regulations pertinent to financial aid administration.
- Ensured compliance with federal and state guidelines governing financial aid, demonstrating a thorough command of relevant regulatory requirements.

Student Operations Coordinator

Henderson Collegiate Charter School
Henderson
11.2017 - 03.2021

- Developed and implemented performance metrics to assess operational efficiency and align team objectives with strategic goals.
- Ensured adherence to organizational policies, regulatory compliance, and industry standards within all operational processes.
- Conducted comprehensive data analyses to pinpoint inefficiencies and areas for improvement across the organization.
- Specialize in enrollment and student information management, Oracle systems, state records and compliance, office administration, and data analysis.
- Initiated a tracking system for high-risk students that effectively reduced high school truancy rates by over 20 students in SY 1920. This innovative solution garnered such success that it was subsequently adopted across all campuses, including Elementary School (ES), Middle School (MS), and High School (HS).
- Strategically enhanced high school enrollment by 10%, generating an additional $300,000 in budget revenue for SY 1920. This was achieved through meticulous scheduling and the orchestration of enrollment processes, culminating in a streamlined experience for students and their families.
- Attained a 12% increase in middle school enrollment, contributing an additional $350,000 to budget revenue in SY 1819. This growth stemmed from the tactical application of advanced scheduling and coordination methodologies, designed to optimize the enrollment process and effectively engage prospective students.
- Standardized cumulative records management protocols across the charter network in SY 1920. This initiative involved implementing best practices in records management, conducting a thorough analysis of state compliance regulations, and facilitating targeted professional development workshops for the operations team to ensure personnel were well-equipped for compliance maintenance.
- Over a three-month duration in SY 1920, I reconciled approximately 900 high school and middle school students' records that had fallen out of state compliance. This was achieved through diligent management of administrative tasks, and setting precise compliance objectives, ensuring alignment with mandated standards.
- Selected as a mentee in the Director of Operations program due to my proactive approach to complex challenges, and proven accountability in managing the attendance system. I underwent training focused on optimizing the arrival and dismissal processes at the high school level, positioning myself for expanded responsibilities within the organization.

Data Manager/Office Manager/Human Resources Specialist

Warren County School District
Norlina
09.2012 - 11.2017

Financial Aid Internal Auditor

North Carolina Wesleyan College
Rocky Mount
03.2010 - 12.2012

Director of Financial Aid

Miller Motte College
Raleigh
01.2007 - 02.2010

Financial Aid Advisor

Hofstra University
Hempstead
08.1990 - 05.1997

Education

Master of Science - Theological Studies

Regency Christian Colleg
Jacksonville, FL
01-2026

Bachelor of Science - Biblical Studies

Regency Christian College
Jacksonville, FL
01-2016

Skills

  • Community Engagement Efforts
  • Grant Management
  • Team Leadership
  • Specialized knowledge of financial aid programs
  • Budgeting and Financial Guidance
  • Advanced Academic Background
  • Student advisement
  • Financial Aid Application Management
  • Knowledge of Federal Student Aid Regulations
  • Compliance Interpretation
  • Data Accuracy Review
  • Navigating FAFSA Regulations
  • Strong Verbal Presentation Abilities

Certification

  • Durham Tech Community College Leadership Academy 2024
  • Inside Track Coaching Powered Leader 2024
  • Durham Technical Community College Supervisor Boot camp 2024
  • NC Community College System Financial Aid Directors Leadership Academy 2023

Timeline

Assistant Director of Financial Aid

Durham Tech Community College
03.2021 - Current

Student Operations Coordinator

Henderson Collegiate Charter School
11.2017 - 03.2021

Data Manager/Office Manager/Human Resources Specialist

Warren County School District
09.2012 - 11.2017

Financial Aid Internal Auditor

North Carolina Wesleyan College
03.2010 - 12.2012

Director of Financial Aid

Miller Motte College
01.2007 - 02.2010

Financial Aid Advisor

Hofstra University
08.1990 - 05.1997

Master of Science - Theological Studies

Regency Christian Colleg

Bachelor of Science - Biblical Studies

Regency Christian College
Cordelia DeCosta-DavisDirector of Financial Aid