By TISA MASON
FHSU president
In the heart of our university lies a team that enables students to dream bigger, expect more, and achieve their educational aspirations: the Financial Aid Office. As the facilitators of access and affordability, these dedicated professionals navigate a complex landscape of federal regulations and ever-evolving technology. Their commitment goes beyond just numbers; it’s about creating opportunities for students who may otherwise encounter barriers to a college education.
Among these champions are three of the office’s most seasoned staff members—Chantelle Arnold, Robyn Hearne, and JoAnn Tomecek—who collectively boast 74 years of experience in financial aid. Their journeys illustrate resilience and an unwavering passion to serve students, with their close-knit team dynamics creating a supportive and collaborative work environment that extends across campus.
With 23 years of experience in financial aid and a degree in Communications, Robyn Hearne has formed a special bond with her colleagues. “I don’t have sisters. So, these people feel like my family,” she shared with heartfelt sincerity. What began as a role she never anticipated embracing has transformed into a fulfilling career that she describes as “addictive.” Each day on campus is a chance for Robyn to engage with students and provide them with the guidance they need to navigate the financial aid maze.
JoAnn Tomecek, a tenured veteran with 36 years’ experience and a degree in office administration, recognizes the responsibility that comes with their roles. “This is a good team. We’re here to serve the students,” she shared. The team’s mission is straightforward yet challenging: to ensure that each student receives their financial aid accurately and efficiently. They have tackled obstacles through a collaborative spirit, working to accelerate students towards their academic goals.
“Chantelle, Robyn, and I are all passionate about our jobs,” JoAnn continued. “We do all we can to understand the changes,” especially with evolving policies like federal FAFSA updates and new systems like Workday. Despite rapid changes in the financial aid landscape, JoAnn credited their adaptability and dedication to the success of their mission.
With her master’s degree in leadership, Chantelle Arnold emphasized the importance of student support systems, asserting their role as the final checkpoint before students embark on their college journey. The office has evolved significantly, streamlining communication methods and enhancing collaboration with other departments to make the financial aid process more integrated and efficient.
“Whether it be our immediate office family or our true families at home, students always come first,” Chantelle remarked. This strong sense of community fosters a healthy workplace environment where employee satisfaction translates to improved student service. The office also
mentors ten hardworking student employees who contribute to day-to-day functions, demonstrating that collaboration and teamwork are at the heart of their success.
Navigating federal regulations, changing demographics, and heightened technology demands is no small feat. “We just have to evolve with everything coming our way,” Robyn pointed out, acknowledging the need for continuous learning in their dynamic field. They face new challenges head-on, often digging “into the weeds of the regulations” to keep themselves and students well-informed about the financial aid landscape.
“We work well together,” Robyn summarized. “If there’s a problem, we talk about it, figure it out, and move on.” This proactive communication is vital to their collective success and, ultimately, to the students they serve.
Statistics do not just measure success in the Financial Aid Office, but also in the stories of perseverance that emerge from each cohort of graduates. The resilience and grace of Chantelle, Robyn, JoAnn, and their team underscore a truth that echoes across our university: financial aid is not just about funding education; it’s about forging pathways and nurturing dreams.
As students emerge from the barriers of financial uncertainty to embrace a brighter future, it is essential to recognize the heroes behind the scenes. The Financial Aid Office exemplifies the spirit of service that makes our university a place of opportunity for all, inviting students to chase their dreams, regardless of their financial background. Their unwavering commitment to excellence often goes unnoticed, but it makes all the difference for our students.