| Members
in the Spotlight
The success of Tristate depends on its members. Many dedicated and
hardworking volunteers devote their time and energy to the Association.
Please take a moment to get to know these individuals, as we invite
several to be in the spotlight each issue.
Featured this issue are Karen Price, Edamerica and Taisha Winters,
Georgetown University.
Karen Price
Maryland State Committee Member and Long Range
Planning Committee Co-Chair
Background
I am a native of Baltimore and have essentially lived there all of my
life, with the exception of a few years in Virginia Beach. I lived most
of my early years in Perry Hall until my family moved to the Eastern
Shore of Maryland. I graduated from Chesapeake College with my A.A.
degree before moving back to the Baltimore area. I subsequently received
a B.S. and M.Ed. in education from Towson University.
I recently retired after twenty years as a Major with the Maryland
Army National Guard. My duties included Personnel support, Supply Distribution
and Medical service.
I currently live in Baldwin, just outside of Towson. And, since it
is a central location, I can cover Delaware, DC and Maryland very easily!
How did you get involved in financial aid?
My first job in higher education was at the University of Maryland Baltimore
County in Administrative Computing. This position worked with all administrative
departments on campus including financial aid. In looking to further
my career, I was hired as a Program Manager with the Maryland State
Scholarship Administration (MSSA). MSSA used the same software as UMBC,
so since I knew the software, it was an easy fit. I subsequently moved
up to become Director of MSSA and worked directly with the Legislature
and the Governor’s Office on scholarships and state financial
aid programs. After ten years, it was time for a change, so I wanted
to expand my financial aid background at a college. I served as Director
of Financial Aid at the Community College of Baltimore County Essex
campus for almost four years.
What is your current role in the industry?
My current role is the District Account Representative for Maryland,
Delaware and DC for Edamerica, the #9 lender in the nation. I assist
schools with transitioning from the Direct Loan program to FFELP, support
the colleges in a variety of ways (presenting entrance/exit counseling
workshops, developing materials for students, explaining loan benefits)
and generally making sure the disbursement process is smooth.
What is your favorite aspect of financial aid?
I like the fact that nothing stays the same and you are constantly challenged
to keep on top of new rates and regulations. I also like to be able
to assist students with a variety of options due to special circumstances.
Not everyone fits the standard mold for need (that is no surprise!)
What are your interests and hobbies?
I am very active in outdoor sports. I enjoy golf, kayaking and hiking.
I like to learn new things and am an avid reader.
What do you hope to be doing ten years from now?
Ten years from now makes me close to that all enticing retirement age.
While I may not work full time in ten years, I intend to at least teach
part time or stay active in higher education and the financial aid community.
Taisha Winters
Federal Relations Committee Co-Chair
Background
I was born in Washington DC and moved to Delaware at a young age. I
was a frequent visitor to the DC Metropolitan area, as most of my family
is still here, so I decided to come back to Maryland to attend school.
While I was in college, I worked in the Residential Life office. I graduated
with a degree in Government and Political Science. After that, I worked
in education research but I always knew I wanted to work in a university
environment at some point in my career.
How did you get involved in financial aid?
I decided to apply to Georgetown University and got a job in another
office. I had previously worked at MBNA credit card company as an intern
so I was already familiar with loans and the financial services industry.
I went from credit cards to student loans.
What is your current role/duties?
As the Loan Coordinator, I am responsible for the operational and administrative
tasks as it pertains to loans. I work with our counselors and other
departmental offices to make sure the loans are processed, and posted
to the student’s accounts. In addition, I handle the return of
Title IV funds, entrance and exit interviews, and assist in the endeavor
to keep the cohort default rate low. I am co-chair of the Tri State’s
Federal Relations Committee, and also serve on EASFAA’s Government
Relations and Leadership Development committees.
What is your favorite aspect of financial aid?
There are times when students experience some adversity as they try
to get their finances together for school. I am glad when my intervention
has helped the student in some way.
What are your interests and hobbies?
When I have time, I like to travel, shop and just relax. I do volunteer
work as well.
What do you hope to be doing ten years from now?
I would like to work in a place where I can use my interests in government
and higher education and my knowledge of policy to work for the benefit
of students.
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