De Rodrick Jonkins
Cypress,Texas
Summary
Results-driven senior-level Financial Aid and Enrollment Management Professional with extensive experience collaborating with university administrators to achieve key institutional objectives, including enrollment growth, net tuition revenue, and strategic goals. Strong foundation in data analysis and expertise in developing actionable strategies based on data-driven insights, with a primary focus on supporting student success and optimizing financial aid resources. Proven track record of leveraging diverse experience at multiple institutions to implement transformative changes that enhance student attainment and retention, while fostering collaborative partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Student Financial Counseling & Outreach
Prairie View A&M University
Prairie View, TX
01.2024 - Current
- Lead the Financial Counselor CAREs team consisting of 19 full-time staff, overseeing all day-to-day operations to ensure effective financial aid and student financial counseling, case management, and retention strategies for over 9,000 aid recipients
- Directed a team providing personalized, accurate financial aid advice to current and prospective students, ensuring understanding of financial aid eligibility, application procedures, and financing options such as loans and payment plans
- Served as the primary point of contact for resolving complex student financial concerns and troubleshooting sensitive student complaints, ensuring high levels of customer service and satisfaction
- Developed and implemented comprehensive financial aid outreach campaigns (e.g., phone, email, text, events) to help students navigate financial aid renewal, billing, and refund processes, enhancing student awareness and retention
- Coordinated and participated in workshops, events, and presentations focused on financial literacy, including Financial Aid 101, High School Financial Aid Nights, and New Student Orientation, to improve financial literacy and student financial success
- Worked closely with campus partners (Admissions, Recruitment, Student Success, etc.) to deliver cohesive and integrated outreach programs aligned with institutional goals and tailored to specific student populations
- Managed the creation and distribution of financial literacy materials (flyers, brochures, electronic communications) in collaboration with the EM Communication Manager, promoting financial aid processes and financial wellness
- Assessed the effectiveness of outreach programs and events through surveys and performance metrics; created reports to measure success and inform future initiatives
- Created, revised, and maintained policies and procedures for financial counseling and outreach programs, ensuring compliance with institutional and regulatory standards
- Provided direct support to the Executive Director and worked closely with Associate Directors to implement Office of Financial Services initiatives, policies, and best practices
- Led training sessions for student financial counseling staff, ensuring staff proficiency in financial aid processes, customer service, and case management practices
Associate Vice President for Financial Aid
Maryland Institute College of Art
Baltimore, MD
01.2017 - 01.2024
- Served as Chief Financial Aid Administrator and Compliance Officer responsible for managing a and ensuring compliance with Title IV regulations and maintaining an annual aid budget of over $60 million and providing direct supervision for all institutional, state, and federal aid programs
- Developed and implemented financial aid awarding policies and communication strategies in collaboration with Admissions and other strategic partners to support MICA’s recruitment, retention, and institutional priorities resulting in a 25% increase in enrollment pre-pandemic
- Oversaw the fiscal management of financial aid funding, including merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, and endowed/restricted funds, ensuring proper allocation and stewardship and 100% compliance with federal, institutional, and state regulations
- Prepared and submitted key financial aid reports, including the Fiscal Operations Report and Federal IPEDS, contributing to successful audits with no major findings
- Developed and directed comprehensive training programs for Financial Aid staff, ensuring a service-oriented, knowledgeable, and efficient team capable of meeting the needs of students and institutional objectives
- Wrote, edited, and designed publications and communication materials for the Financial Aid Office, providing clear guidance and information to students and families on available aid, deadlines, and policies
- Managed complex internal and external systems, including PeopleSoft, ED Connect, EDE, Work Day, SAIG, MDCAPS, COD, and Direct Loans, ensuring seamless data transmission and system integration
- Represented the institution on federal, state, and external committees related to financial aid, advocating for the College's interests and staying current with policy changes
Financial Aid Regional Manager
Houston Community College System
Houston, TX
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Managed customer service, financial aid operations, and procedures for the Houston Community College System's south and west regions, which include 6 campuses and serving more than 30,000 students
- Performance and Personnel Management for 18 Full-Time Staff, 6-Part-Time Staff, and 30 Work-Study Students
- Led regional outreach initiatives that resulted in a 20% increase in FAFSA submissions across the region
- Collaborated with college deans to implement recruitment strategies targeting underserved communities, contributing to a 5% increase in enrollment from local high schools
- Developed and implemented compliance measures to ensure the region's adherence to federal and state regulations, resulting in zero compliance issues during audits
- Designed and delivered system-wide training programs that improved the regional staff's financial aid processing times by 25%
Financial Aid Officer
Houston Community College System
Houston, TX
01.2013 - 01.2016
- Managed financial aid operations for Northwest College, which served 8,000+ students across 4 campuses
- Collaborated with the Office of Recruitment to increase enrollment of first-generation college students, leading to a 15% increase in FAFSA completions among targeted populations
- Collaboration with Admissions and Advisement Offices, as well as Faculty, to develop and implement plans to meet student needs and achieve enrollment and retention goals
- Coordinated with Admissions and Advising to implement retention strategies that improved first-year student retention by 10%
Financial Aid Associate
Houston Community College System
Houston, TX
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Responsible for overseeing the Texas Application for State Financial Aid program, which serves 1,000+ undocumented students annually
- Performed need analysis and packaging for 500+ students annually, increasing aid distribution efficiency by 15% through process improvements
- In cases of extenuating circumstances, used professional judgment authority to decide a student's eligibility and awards
Staff Assistant/Financial Aid Professional/ Student Recruiter
Prairie View A&M University
Prairie View, TX
01.1999 - 01.2011
- Responsible for recruiting undergraduate, transfer, and graduate students to the university, as well as managing a geographical region and supervising regional alumni recruiters
- Created alliances with community colleges, religious institutions, and neighborhood organizations to achieve diverse enrollment goals
- Participated in creating and putting into practice outreach plans for student recruitment and retention to boost enrollment
- Developed collaborative partnerships with departmental deans, faculty, and staff to develop strategic recruiting plans for their respective degree programs
Education
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice – Juvenile Justice
Prairie View A&M University
Prairie View, TX01.2002
Skills
- Data Analysis & Reporting
- Budget Management & Fiscal Stewardship
- Financial Aid Strategy & Policy Development
- Compliance & Regulatory Knowledge
- Staff Training & Development
- Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration
- Student Retention & Success Initiatives
- Communication & Public Relations
Timeline
Director, Student Financial Counseling & Outreach
Prairie View A&M University
01.2024 - Current
Associate Vice President for Financial Aid
Maryland Institute College of Art
01.2017 - 01.2024
Financial Aid Regional Manager
Houston Community College System
01.2016 - 01.2017
Financial Aid Officer
Houston Community College System
01.2013 - 01.2016
Financial Aid Associate
Houston Community College System
01.2011 - 01.2013
Staff Assistant/Financial Aid Professional/ Student Recruiter
Prairie View A&M University
01.1999 - 01.2011
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice – Juvenile Justice
Prairie View A&M University
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