Melissa Barnette
Taylors,SC
Summary
Experienced Financial Aid Administrator with a strong background in admissions and financial aid, bringing 21 years of combined expertise. A quick and efficient learner, adept at processing new information. Exceptional people skills, providing concise and caring information. Skilled at multitasking and prioritizing tasks effectively. Proficient in delegating responsibilities and supporting colleagues in the office. A strong advocate for communication, approaching this responsibility with ease and discipline. Committed to servant leadership, delivering excellent job performance, and providing superior customer service to students, faculty, and coworkers on a daily basis.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Associate Director of Financial Aid
Furman University
09.2023 - Current
- Supervise Associate Director of Financial Aid
- Managed awarding new students and returning students in the undergraduate programs
- Serve as the Tuition Exchange and ACS Liaison for the university. Train new Admissions Counselors and Financial Aid Counselors
- Led social media content for scholarship opportunities & deadlines
- Work cross-functionally with other departments such as Admissions, Enrollment Services, Registrar, and Bursar to ensure ease of process for customer satisfaction and training.
- Problem-solve any technology issues with IT regarding software.
- Oversee the endowment awarding process and work cross-functionally with departments across campus to award departmental scholarships.
- Collaborate with any audit requests and work with auditors to request information from the Financial Aid Office or other departments.
Associate Director of Financial Aid
Furman University
09.2019 - 09.2023
- Streamlined financial aid processes by implementing efficient software solutions and workflow improvements.
- Implemented software programs- PowerFAIDS and Workday along with Financial Aid Director
- Serve as the Tuition Exchange and ACS Liaison for the university.
- Work cross-functionally with other departments such as Admissions, Enrollment Services, Registrar, and Bursar to ensure ease of process for customer satisfaction and training.
- Assisted families in navigating complex application processes, ensuring all necessary documentation was accurately submitted on time.
- Provided financial aid counseling to enrolled and prospective students.
- Represented financial aid office at group meetings with high school students and parents.
- Led social media outreach programs, informing prospective students of available financial aid programs.
Assistant Director of Financial Aid
Furman University
04.2018 - 09.2019
- Serve as the Tuition Exchange and ACS Liaison for the university.
- Managed university federal work-study program
- Coordinated the state aid program and ensured compliance with awarding & eligibility
- Processed federal financial aid verifications per federal guidelines.
- Led social media outreach programs, informing prospective students of available financial aid programs.
- Evaluated complex cases involving special circumstances and appeals, making fair determinations based on individual situations.
Associate Director of Financial Aid
North Greenville University
01.2013 - 04.2018
- Perform basic responsibilities of a Financial Aid Counselor
- Manually create financial aid packages for new students which include federal, state, and institutional aid
- Monitor institutional budget with the VP of Enrollment Services
- Assist the Athletic Compliance Director & Athletic Secretary and award athletic financial aid in compliance with NCAA Division 2 standards
- Train all Financial Aid staff and supervise a staff of seven
- Maintain the Financial Aid website with current information
- Coordinate processes with other campus offices
- Attend Federal and State compliance training
- Perform administrative tasks as needed and assist the Director of Financial Aid
- Process all financial aid submissions such as verification, professional judgement requests, dependency overrides, certify private loans through ELM, student withdrawals through R2T4, student refunds, Satisfactory Academic Progress reviews
- Proficient in Financial Aid Software: CAMS, ELM, I-745, NSLDS, COD, FAA Access
- On-going learning in: EDExpress and R2T4
- PowerFAIDS software implementation
- Oversaw annual review process for scholarship renewals, guaranteeing consistent funding availability throughout each recipient''s educational journey.
- Served as a liaison between academic departments, addressing concerns regarding student financial status or eligibility issues promptly.
- Created detailed reports on departmental activities, presenting findings to senior leadership for informed decision-making purposes.
- Enhanced the overall student experience by proactively addressing any potential financial barriers to success and offering personalized support.
Financial Aid Counselor/Workstudy Coordinator
North Greenville University
01.2005 - 01.2013
Admissions Office Administrative Assistant/Campus Ambassador Advisor
North Greenville University
07.2003 - 01.2005
Admissions Office Secretary
North Greenville University
01.2003 - 07.2003
Education
BA Degree- Interdisciplinary Studies/Music & Mass Communications -
North Greenville University
Tigerville, SC 12.2002
Skills
- Organized and detailed
- Management skills
- Effective communicator
- Charismatic
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Servant Leader
- Personable and approachable
- Life-long learner
- Outgoing personality
- Team Player
- Positive Attitude
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Attention to Detail
Accomplishments
North Greenville University:
- Won Staff of the Year Award Twice
Furman University:
- Received three Furman salutes from colleagues across campus recognizing collaboration and strengths.
Affiliations
- SCASFAA (South Carolina Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators)- Served on Board in 2019 as Member at Large, along with many committees over the years
- SASFAA (Southern Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators)
- NASFAA (National Association of Student Financial Aid Adminstrators)
Timeline
Senior Associate Director of Financial Aid
Furman University
09.2023 - Current
Associate Director of Financial Aid
Furman University
09.2019 - 09.2023
Assistant Director of Financial Aid
Furman University
04.2018 - 09.2019
Associate Director of Financial Aid
North Greenville University
01.2013 - 04.2018
Financial Aid Counselor/Workstudy Coordinator
North Greenville University
01.2005 - 01.2013
Admissions Office Administrative Assistant/Campus Ambassador Advisor
North Greenville University
07.2003 - 01.2005
Admissions Office Secretary
North Greenville University
01.2003 - 07.2003
BA Degree- Interdisciplinary Studies/Music & Mass Communications -
North Greenville University