About the Episode:

Look, finances are complicated enough on a regular day, but beloved, the minute we start factoring in scholarships, grants, loans, G.I. bills, and fees it turns into a whole different monster. This episode we’ll hear from two financial aid experts on the different ways that financial aid policies serve as barriers to degree/program completion (especially to our most vulnerable students), and learn different tips we can use to support knowledge transparency for students, their families, and administrators. But on the real, I just need them to make these refund checks hit faster than they do because we got bills to pay homie.

Our Guests:

Mrs. Denise Spellman attended Undergraduate and Graduate studies at The University of New Orleans. She is currently the Financial Aid Director at Dillard University since 2016, and although employed there as Financial Aid Director for the past 6 years, she has worked in the Financial Aid profession for 36 years. During her tenure, she has held several titles, served as Training Chair for several years for the Louisiana Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (LASFAA) and presided over LASFAA as President during the 2011 year. She is passionate about her job and the success of students – her goal is to provide “Access to Success” to students and to help streamline the financial aid process in this ever changing financial aid industry. She loves to help others, cook, decorate and create floral arrangements and centerpieces for events. In addition to being the Financial Aid Director, Mrs. Spellman is also a Freelance Sign Language Interpreter and is currently teaching a beginning Sign Language class for the Education Talent Search Program at Dillard University. She is also a Breast Cancer Survivor celebrating 11 years of being Breast Cancer Free and thank God daily for His Grace, Mercy and all of the gifts, talents, skills and abilities that He has bestowed.

Jermany Gray is a graduating senior from the City with Soul - Jackson, MS. He attends the illustrious Dillard University where he majors in Political Science with a minor focus on Criminal Justice, Urban Studies, and Public Policy. As Jermany prepares for the next chapter of his life, he hopes to be of service to his community through politics and community advocacy. "With my short existence, I can make a difference" - Connie, Steven Universe

Dr. Nia Woods Haydel serves as the Vice President for Alliance Engagement and Institutional Transformation at Complete College America. She provides leadership on initiatives focusing on strengthening partnerships with alliance members, developing strategies to build on existing college completion policy initiatives, and conceptualizing CCA’s work around institutional transformation. Prior to her current position, she dedicated over 20 years on college campuses envisioning, planning, and executing strategic initiatives designed to elevate the student experience. Her diverse experiences have influenced her commitment to crafting learning environments that address the holistic needs of students thereby increasing their propensity for success particularly for populations who have been excluded from full participation in higher education. She earned a B.S. in Psychology from the University of New Orleans, M.S. in Higher Education Administration from Texas A & M University, and a Ph.D. in Educational Policy Studies from Georgia State University. She resides in New Orleans, LA with her husband, Chase, and their 3 children, Issis, Chase, and Noelle.

Free Yo Mind, & The Rest Will Follow w| Jackie Darby

Just A ThoughtBy Just A ThoughtNov 15, 2020