AIS Offices Team Up to Focus on Recruitment and Yield Efforts Amidst Covid-19
In the past few weeks AIS offices have created virtual resources and reminders to help students who are uncertain of their next steps. This has been in response to a large number of students’ fall plans changing.
- Academic & Instructional Services
Utah State University has named Heather Bryson as its new financial aid director. Previously, Bryson worked as the associate director of systems and data for USU’s Financial Aid Office. She has over six years of higher education experience at USU, ranging from staff assistant to program coordinator to now leading the team in the Financial Aid Office.
In her new position, Bryson plans to continue to support the organizational changes that have been made in the office over this last year.
“My hope is to continue to increase the positive impact our office is having on the student experience and contributing to the goals of the university,” Bryson said. “I know that COVID-19 has had a large impact on campus operations and on students, and feel that it will be our biggest challenge moving forward. However, I have no doubt that the team will be able to respond to these challenges and adapt to our ever-changing landscape in higher education.”
In the last year of working as the associate director of systems and data, Bryson had a steep learning curve on how the Financial Aid Office’s internal data system functions to ensure awarding and disbursing federal aid appropriately. Moving into the director role, this knowledge is very useful as she works to implement new processes and initiatives.
“Her commitment to students and love for this institution will help the Financial Aid Office succeed at supporting students in achieving their higher education goals,” said Robert Wagner, vice president of Academic and Instructional Services.
Prior to working in higher education, Bryson worked in the retail industry where she credits developing customer service skills that have been extremely useful in the higher education environment.
“After graduating college, I didn’t have a clear direction on what I wanted for a career path,” Bryson said. “It was during my time in retail, that I realized that I had a passion for higher education and wanted to find a career in helping students achieve their educational goals. I believe that everyone should have the ability to attend higher education, and know that financial resources are the largest hurdles.”
Bryson’s new appointment begins immediately.