Financial aid department under new leadership

Like any new fall semester, student traffic in the RCC Financial Aid office has been non-stop, but Rodney Jenkins, the Department’s new director, has enthusiastically welcomed the challenge and is settling into his new role on campus.

Jenkins joined the RCC team on July 14. “My first few weeks were “fast and furious”, says Jenkins, but I really enjoy working with the students and staff. The administration and department members have been supportive and helpful. I consider it a privilege to work with such knowledgeable and professional staff.”

Jenkins, a South Carolina native, comes to RCC from Southeastern Regional Medical Center. Prior to working with SRMC, he was employed with Wachovia Bank.

Jenkins’ plans are to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of assistance to students. “It is imperative that our department make students aware of the numerous opportunities that are available to them”, say Jenkins. Jenkins recently had the opportunity to attend a reception that honored four RCC students that received scholarships from the State Employees Credit Union. The 2008-2009 RCC SECU scholarship recipients are Megan Locklear, Gale Blue, Kameelah McLean and Megan Vinson. The SECU Foundation offers a two-year scholarship program to assist North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) students in achieving academic success. Each North Carolina Community College receives two scholarships. Each scholarship is valued at $1,250 per student per semester.

“The State’s community colleges are fortunate to have the support of the SECU and other agencies that so willingly invest in the future of our students. Such support is an example of “people helping people”, added Jenkins.

Ericka Jones, RCC Foundation Director, looks forwards to working with Jenkins and continuing the successful collaboration that helps students achieve their educational goals.

"Mr. Jenkins brings with him a wealth of financial management knowledge that will advance the Financial Aid Department to a new dimension. This experience coupled with his unique ability to work well with others is invaluable. The Foundation Office works closely with the Financial Aid Department to provide financial assistance to students.

Mr. Jenkins’ professionalism and organizational skills have already proven to be an asset to the operations of the Foundation.”

The mission of the RCC Financial Aid Office is to help remove financial barriers and to assist students in meeting the cost of attendance at the institution. Over 90 percent of the RCC student body receives some type of financial assistance. The role of the Office is to try to fill the gap that exists between the cost of attendance and funds available from family, savings and other resources. The Office also provides counseling and assistance in completing financial aid applications, evaluation and determination of need.

Jenkins understands that dealing with financial aid issues can be a cumbersome task for students. “Providing superior customer service is a top priority for our office. Many of our younger students often feel overwhelmed when dealing with school expense matters, and we want to them to feel comfortable when visiting our office and be assured that their needs will be addressed,” notes Jenkins.

For more information about the RCC Financial Aid Office, visit www.robeson.edu, or call 910-3352.

— Lisa O. Hunt is the Public Information Officer for Robeson Community College and the Project Coordinator for Robeson Regional Biotech Education.