Jennifer Lockaby
Statesboro,GA
Summary
Proficient Financial Aid Advisor well-versed in program options and regulatory requirements for student assistance. Well-organized and hardworking with good grasp of related paperwork and processes.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Financial Aid Specialist - R2T4
Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, GA
05.2019 - Current
- Return Title IV Funds
- Work with the College of Public Health to distribute the Scholarship for Disadvantaged Students (SDS)
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Gained extensive knowledge in data entry, analysis and reporting.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
- Cultivated interpersonal skills by building positive relationships with others.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Communicated with prospective students to illustrate available financial aid opportunities.
- Contributed to policy development within the department by researching best practices and regulations for optimal service provision.
- Review Institutional Student Information Records (ISIR) data loads
- Evaluated student appeals for reconsideration of their financial aid eligibility based on extenuating circumstances or special conditions.
Financial Aid Counselor
Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, GA
- Perform related duties as assigned to support the mission of the University.
- Perform verification of submitted FAFSA information.
- Assist students by evaluating financial aid requests and making aid adjustments and/or recalculations.
- Evaluate student academic progress relative to university's policy.
- Maintain knowledge of all current federal and state regulations governing financial aid to ensure compliance.
- Provide students with financial aid counseling, awarding, and electronic federal and state information, as well as provide information on available programs, procedures, and eligibility.
- Work with various campus departments to ensure program efficiency for students by providing outreach programming on financial aid issues.
- Represent Financial Aid Office at University events related to recruitment.
- Support all aspects of students’ needs for program from acceptance to graduation.
- Collaborated with fellow counselors to develop strategies for improving overall efficiency and effectiveness of the department's operations.
- Explained very technical financial information to applicants in easy to understand language.
- Consistently met deadlines for submission of annual reports on departmental performance metrics, contributing to overall accountability efforts within the institution.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge on relevant laws, regulations, and policies surrounding higher education finance in order to provide accurate advice to students.
- Increased student satisfaction with financial aid services by addressing concerns promptly and providing clear guidance on procedures.
- Counseled students and parents about financial aid options and program details.
- Provided financial aid counseling to enrolled and prospective students.
Self-Employed
DBA Jennifer Lockaby LMT, NMT
Statesboro, GA
01.2012 - 01.2019
- Provide individualized treatment to each client.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Resolved problems, improved operations and provided exceptional service.
Adjunct Teacher
Ogeechee Technical Institute
Statesboro, GA
01.2017 - 12.2017
- Teach classes compliant to massage therapy program.
- Impartially evaluated papers, projects and homework assignments of students, delegating grading to teaching assistants when appropriate.
- Conducted engaging in-class discussions to facilitate learning and encourage participation.
- Incorporated real-world examples into lectures, making complex concepts more relatable and accessible for students.
- Built strong rapport with students through class discussions and academic advisement.
Massage Therapist
Serenity Day Spa & Salon
Statesboro, GA
01.2009 - 01.2012
- Greeted spa guests warmly to create positive first impression of establishment.
- Inspected salon stock, identifying shortages, replenishing items and maintaining consistent spa inventory.
- Evaluated employee performance regularly, providing constructive feedback to drive continuous improvement efforts in service delivery.
- Ensured compliance with state regulations for licensing, sanitation, facility maintenance, and safety protocols.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by implementing personalized treatment plans and delivering exceptional service.
Deposit Documentation Specialist
Georgia Heritage Bank
01.2007 - 01.2008
- Marketing assistant.
- Maintained organized and efficient document flows by using excellent planning and multitasking skills.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Gained extensive knowledge in data entry, analysis and reporting.
- Maintain internet site.
- Customer Service issues with bill pay and internet.
- Managed regulatory requirements and audit support needs by completing and submitting accurate paperwork.
Teller
Bank of America
Hendersonville, NC
01.2006 - 01.2007
- Established rapport with new clients to increase satisfaction and loyalty.
- Demonstrated adaptability during peak business hours by multitasking and prioritizing tasks to maintain efficiency and quality of service.
- Cross-sold credit cards, loans and other bank products.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of bank products, services, promotions, policies, regulations to better assist customers with their financial needs.
- Contributed to a positive work environment by demonstrating professionalism, courteousness, and a strong work ethic.
- Monitored and reported suspicious activity in line with bank security policies.
- Disbursed cash and checks accurately while maintaining security of cash drawers.
- Balanced cash drawers daily, identifying discrepancies and taking corrective actions as needed.
- Promoted a welcoming atmosphere in the branch by greeting customers warmly upon arrival and addressing them by name when possible.
- Served as primary point of contact for customers, providing assistance with account maintenance and transactions.
ASMDP (Assistant Store Manager Development Program)
Belk Dept. Store
Marietta, GA
01.2001 - 12.2005
- Assisted with hiring, training and mentoring new staff members.
- Coached sales associates in product specifications, sales incentives, and selling techniques, significantly increasing customer satisfaction ratings.
- Addressed customer complaints promptly and professionally, resolving issues to maintain positive relationships with clientele.
- Improved customer satisfaction through staff training in customer service and product knowledge.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Managed inventory control, cash control, and store opening and closing procedures.
- Managed store employees successfully in fast-paced environment through proactive communication and positive feedback.
- Rotated merchandise and displays to feature new products and promotions.
- Optimized labor scheduling according to store needs while adhering to budget constraints, maximizing productivity without compromising service quality.
Sales Associate
Belk Department Store
Statesboro, GA
01.2001 - 12.2005
- Ordered bridal stock requests.
- Helped redesign the layout and organize the Homestore department.
- Maximized profitability with strategic upselling techniques during one-on-one interactions with clients at the point of purchase.
- Prioritized helping customers over completing other routine tasks in store.
- Answered customer questions about products and services, helped locate merchandise, and promoted key items.
- Opened, shelved and merchandised new products in visually appealing and organized displays for optimal sales promotions.
- Handled cash transactions efficiently while adhering to company cash handling policies, ensuring accuracy in all financial exchanges.
- Participated in team meetings and training sessions regularly for continuous professional development within the retail industry.
- Stocked merchandise, clearly labeling items, and arranging according to size or color.
- Maintained accurate inventory records to ensure adequate stock levels, minimizing out-of-stock situations that could impact customer satisfaction.
- Assisted in training new staff members on company policies, product information, and sales techniques for a seamless onboarding experience.
- Managed conflict resolution with dissatisfied customers professionally, resulting in improved customer retention rates.
- Prepared merchandise for sales floor by pricing or tagging.
- Accurately processed POS transactions, returning coin, currency, payment cards, and receipts to customers.
- Helped customers locate products and checked store system for merchandise at other sites.
Lead Sales Associate
Michael’s Arts & Crafts
01.1997 - 01.2001
- Front End Supervisor - managed cashiers and front store operations.
- Product Flow Supervisor - managed stock flow in and out of store.
- Managed inventory effectively, minimizing stock-outs and overstock situations.
- Performed inventory control procedures to manage stock.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Exercised leadership capabilities by successfully motivating and inspiring others.
- Acted as a team leader in group projects, delegating tasks and providing feedback.
- Greeted customers and provided product advice to increase sales.
- Implemented visual merchandising strategies to improve product presentation and increase sales conversions.
- Participated in store meetings and product training sessions to understand and sell items.
- Resolved customer issues promptly, ensuring satisfaction and loyalty.
- Trained new employees on customer service, money handling and organizing strategies.
- Answered customer questions about products and services, helped locate merchandise, and promoted key items.
- Processed and stocked merchandise in accordance with store standards.
- Greeted customers and offered assistance with selecting merchandise, finding accessories and completing purchases.
Education
M.E.D. - Higher Education Administration
12.2022
- 4.0 GPA
Massage Therapy -
05.2009
Honors: Summa Cum Laude
Marketing Minor -
05.2004
B.B.A. - Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship
05.2003
Skills
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Google Office
- Windows 10/8/7
- Banner 9
- Campus Logic
- Touchnet
- Financial aid expertise
- Attention to Detail
- Eligibility Verification
- Customer service-focused
- Decision-Making
Accomplishments
NASFAA Credential- Return of Title IV Funds
Timeline
Financial Aid Specialist - R2T4 - Georgia Southern University
05.2019 - Current
Adjunct Teacher - Ogeechee Technical Institute
01.2017 - 12.2017
Self-Employed - DBA Jennifer Lockaby LMT, NMT
01.2012 - 01.2019
Massage Therapist - Serenity Day Spa & Salon
01.2009 - 01.2012
Deposit Documentation Specialist - Georgia Heritage Bank
01.2007 - 01.2008
Teller - Bank of America
01.2006 - 01.2007
Sales Associate - Belk Department Store
01.2001 - 12.2005
ASMDP (Assistant Store Manager Development Program) - Belk Dept. Store
01.2001 - 12.2005
Lead Sales Associate - Michael’s Arts & Crafts
01.1997 - 01.2001
Financial Aid Counselor - Georgia Southern University
Georgia Southern University - M.E.D., Higher Education Administration
Gwinnett College/ Rising Spirit Institute - Massage Therapy,
Georgia Southern University - Marketing Minor,
Georgia Southern University - B.B.A., Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship