SASFAA Announces Candidates for Vice President

Sandy Neel, Chair of the SASFAA Nominations and Elections Committee, has announced the candidates for SASFAA Vice President for 2012-2013.  The candidates are Mandy Branch and Mike Reynolds.  Their statements of candidacy are below.  Watch for news for voting to begin.

Mandy Branch Statement of Candidacy

Because we work in Higher Education, we often hear professors discuss helping their students achieve those “ah ha moments”.  Ah ha moments are moments in which a student finally grasps a difficult concept. Professors strive to help their students attain “ah ha” moments, because these are the moments that will propel the student forward in his or her field of study and will hopefully set him or her on the path to a rewarding career.  As financial aid professionals it is our duty to help both our students and coworkers achieve “ah ha” moments. Financial aid is in a state of continuous flux. If a financial aid professional does not stay up-to-date on the latest changes to federal, state and institutional regulations, he or she will not be able to help students achieve those “ah ha” moments. Instead, the financial aid professional may inadvertently cause the student to have an “uh oh” moment and have to repay or lose financial aid eligibility simply because the financial aid process was not fully explained to the student. It is with this concept in mind that I accept the nomination of Vice President for SASFAA. I would like to help your staff achieve an “ah ha” moment in financial aid.

During the 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 academic years, I participated in the New Aid Officer’s Workshop as a trainer, and found it to be one of the most enjoyable and engaging experiences of my career. During the 2011-2012 academic year I will serve as the Curriculum Coordinator for SASFAA’s New Aid Officer’s Workshop. I believe these experiences will help prepare me for the role of SASFAA’s Vice President. 

I feel honored and blessed to be part of such a great organization, and look forward to serving SASFAA in the future. Thanks again for your nomination!

Current Position:

Coordinator of Outreach and Special Projects, University of Georgia (2006 to present)

Years in Financial Aid: 11 ½

Previous Positions

Loans Counselor, University of Georgia

Verification Clerk, University of Georgia

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Drama, University of Georgia

Professional Involvement

Southern Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators

·         Instructor, New Aid Officers Workshop, 2008-2009 & 2009-2010

·         Curriculum Coordinator, New Aid Officers Workshop, 2011-2012

·         Membership Committee, 2010-2011

Georgia Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators

Diversity Committee, 2008-2009

Moderator and Presenter at various conferences

Other Activities

College Goal Sunday Site Coordinator for Clarke County, GA area, 2009-2010, 2010-2011

Academic Honesty Facilitator, University of Georgia

Staff Coordinator for UGA student organization Peer Financial Counseling, 2006-present

Member of Georgia Default Prevention Task Force, 2008-2010 

Mike Reynolds Statement of Candidacy

I am truly honored and humbled to be given the opportunity to run for Vice-President of the Southern Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (SASFAA). Since receiving Financial Aid back in 1980 from the same office where I am currently employed, I realized the importance and significance of financial aid and how it can make dreams become reality.  SASFAA continues to support and enhance this role and has given me many opportunities to continue to contribute. As a past state President and Board Member, as well as, Local Arrangements Conference Chair, I know the dedication and effort necessary to assure that the training and conferences are at the highest possible level.

In my 25 years in the financial aid industry, I have worked on both the guaranty agency and school side of serving students and families in reaching their higher education goals. I have instructed in numerous state conferences, private Collection Agency conferences as well as a serving as a mid-level instructor for SASFAA. I have also served as Secretary, Vice-President and President of the Alabama Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. I cannot ever repay SASFAA for all the knowledge, support, and experiences that I have been offered through my affiliation with such a great group of professionals. However, I do offer up any of my services and expertise to assist SASFAA is continuing in their valuable services.

Once again, I am truly honored to be considered for this position and pledge to provide the best possible leadership and training to the very deserving SASFAA membership. 

Personal

Married—Robin Mayfield Reynolds

               Teacher—1st Grade  Wrights Mill Road  Elementary Auburn, Alabama

2 Daughters – Lauren  Cecille           22

                        Melissa Alexandra    19

Both students at Auburn University

Work Experience

Aubie Program Advisor

Auburn University

April 2005-Present

Executive Director, Student Financial Services

Auburn University

November 11, 2004- Present

Director, Student Financial Aid and Scholarships

Auburn University

May 2000- November 10, 2004

Interim Director, Foy Student Union

Auburn University

May 2003-December 2003         

Associate Director

Student Financial Aid

Auburn University

July 1999- May 2000

Alabama Student Loan Program Administrator

Alabama Student Loan Program-KHEAA

August 1995- July 1999

Alabama Commission on Higher Education

Assistant Director, Loan Processing

November 1984- August 1999

Education

B/A Business Administration

1982 Auburn University-Montgomery

Master –Public Administration

1997 Auburn University, Montgomery

Past President of Alabama Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators