Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Timeline
Generic

Mary Cochran

Clarksville,TN

Summary

Skilled Banner Financial Aid Principal Consultant with a successful track record in customer implementations and engagements. Conscientious, hardworking, team-oriented collaborator who excels at multitasking, analyzing information and proposing successful solutions. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience

Work History

Principal Professional Services Consultant

Ellucian
Reston, VA
06.2019 - Current
  • Provided consultative support and training, in areas such as configuration and processing of the Banner Financial Aid module in both single and STP system implementations.
  • Provided consultative support and training, configuration and processing for California specific clients in areas such as California Dream Act Application (Cal ISIRs) and California College Promise Grant (CCPG).
  • Provided consultative support and training, configuration and processing on Institutional Need Analysis (INAS) for colleges subscribed to receive CSS Profile applications.
  • Provided timely feedback on project status updates to project management team.
  • Maintained positive relationships with key stakeholders throughout the entire project life cycle.
  • Assisted customers with problem identification and resolution of processing issues.
  • Collaborated in the creation of comprehensive documentation including consultant job aids, user instructions, and process flows.
  • Collaborated on the development of best practices for use by consulting team members during implementation engagements.
  • Identified opportunities for additional services or products that could enhance customer's business operations.
  • Mentored consultants to encourage enthusiasm toward tasks and responsibilities.
  • Supported the sales team by providing expertise and feedback to create custom statements of work for clients.

Senior Consultant

Ellucian
Reston, VA
01.2016 - 06.2019
  • Provided consultative support and training, in areas such as configuration and processing of the Banner Financial Aid module in single and STP system implementations.
  • Provided consultative support and training, configuration and processing for California specific clients in areas such as California Dream Act Application (Cal ISIRs) and California College Promise Grant (CCPG).
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams throughout the project implementation to ensure alignment.
  • Prepared comprehensive project status updates including risks, issues, timeline changes.
  • Managed multiple client engagements simultaneously while adhering to tight deadlines.
  • Recommended enhancements and updates to system software based on system review.
  • Provided consultation and training support to clients regarding Banner Financial Aid operations.
  • Provided strategic guidance to clients on best practices for business processes within the Banner Financial Aid module.
  • Participated in training and mentoring Chase consultant new hires.
  • Maintained positive working relationship with fellow staff and management.

Associate Director of Financial Aid

Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, TN
01.2007 - 01.2016
  • Oversaw day-to-day operations of the Student Financial Aid & Veterans Affairs offices.
  • Managed operations within the Banner Financial Aid module to include Data Load, Period Budgeting, Requirements Tracking, Automated Algorithmic Packaging, Disbursement, Satisfactory Academic Progress, Reporting and Reconciliation.
  • Supervised Functional Support Specialist, Financial Aid Counselors, Veterans Affairs Coordinator and Account Clerk.
  • Processed the Fiscal Operations Report and Application to Participate (FISAP) through Banner software.
  • Collaborated with Office of Information Technology to develop and enhance operations using tools such as UC4 scheduler and Work Flow.
  • Served as liaison with Athletics, adhered to NCAA and OVC rules related to the awarding of financial aid.
  • Implemented policies and procedures that comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and university standards.
  • Monitored changes in government regulations related to student financial aid programs.
  • Collaborated with external agencies such as banks and lenders to facilitate loan processes.
  • Attended conferences to stay informed about new developments in college finance.
  • Supervised a team of counselors providing counseling services on college financing options.
  • Reviewed student documents to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations.
  • Coordinated efforts with other departments such as Admissions, Student Accounts Receivableand Registrar's Office.
  • Evaluated appeals from students who did not meet eligibility criteria or had extenuating circumstances requiring consideration.
  • Managed the processing of Federal Direct Loans, Pell Grants, Perkins Loans, Parent PLUS loans, Graduate PLUS loans, scholarships and other forms of assistance.
  • Processed financial aid documents and completed basic verification of information.
  • Received and posted payments to loan accounts.
  • Assisted with completion of documentation such as FAFSA paperwork, answered questions, and delivered key information.
  • Assisted students in understanding academic application processes, admissions requirements and financial aid options.
  • Provided one-on-one counseling to students regarding financial aid program options and requirements.
  • Gave workshop and other group presentations to inform students of options and educate on financial aid process.
  • Demonstrated understanding of and adherence to federal and state regulations for financial aid.
  • Liaised with students and admission department to facilitate documentation and application processing.
  • Prepared reports using academic or institutional data and information.
  • Strategized and implemented methods for streamlining processes, controlling costs and modernizing operations.
  • Established policies and procedures and made modifications based on analysis of operations, performance and other research information.
  • Improved student educational plans by advising on course selection, progress plans and career decisions.
  • Recruited, hired and oriented departmental staff.
  • Participated in state and national events, developing partnerships with industry to increase university profile.

Financial Aid & Veterans Affairs Counselor

Austin Peay State University Athletics Communication Dept
Clarksville, TN
10.1998 - 01.2007
  • Certified veterans' education assistance benefit programs.
  • Reviewed and evaluated student files for accuracy prior to awarding financial aid packages.
  • Processed appeals for special circumstances such as changes in income or family size that may impact a student's ability to pay for college tuition.
  • Participated in outreach activities such as college fairs and workshops designed to inform prospective students about the availability of financial assistance.
  • Assisted with the training of new support staff on procedures associated with administering federal or state-funded student assistance programs.
  • Conducted individual counseling sessions with students to discuss their aid options.
  • Developed presentations or informational materials outlining different aspects of the college's financial aid program.
  • Analyzed data from multiple sources including FAFSA, SARs, tax returns and other relevant documents.
  • Interpreted complex government regulations regarding Title IV and Title 38 funding requirements.
  • Attended professional development seminars or conferences related to current trends in student finance or higher education administration.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Chemistry

Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, TN
05-1994

Skills

  • Banner Financial Aid Software Implementation
  • Excellent Communication
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Customer Satisfaction
  • Mentoring and Training
  • Sales Support
  • Analytical Thinking
  • SQL Developer

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Principal Professional Services Consultant

Ellucian
06.2019 - Current

Senior Consultant

Ellucian
01.2016 - 06.2019

Associate Director of Financial Aid

Austin Peay State University
01.2007 - 01.2016

Financial Aid & Veterans Affairs Counselor

Austin Peay State University Athletics Communication Dept
10.1998 - 01.2007

Bachelor of Science - Chemistry

Austin Peay State University

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
Mary Cochran