Dr. Maureen Phillips is new financial aid director

Dr. Maureen Phillips is new financial aid director

The Division of Student Affairs is proud to introduce Dr. Maureen Phillips as the new Director of Financial Aid.  She brings 19 years of financial aid administration experience to the post, having also served in senior financial aid management at the University of Illinois – Urbana Champaign, the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, Milwaukee Area Technical College, Chicago State University, and Talladega College.  She also has been active at the state level in various financial aid advocacy roles.

Dr. Maureen Phillips

Dr. Phillips holds a master's degree in Non-Profit Organization Administration from Notre Dame University – South Bend, Indiana, and a Doctorate in Higher Education Administration and Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service from Cardinal Stritch University, - Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 

Dr. Phillips’ plans for the financial aid department are to continue to offer a range of services that support the complete financial aid lifecycle, from document tracking and follow-up, to verification and award packaging, to Return of Title IV (R2T4) processing and fund reconciliation. Phillips’ goal is to provide continued leadership for the financial aid staff, reduce administrative burden, and improve the overall student experience by developing a student-centered financial aid team that is focused on optimizing department operations. “I hope to accomplish this by working with the financial aid staff to leverage existing strengths, and by sharing our in-depth knowledge of federal regulations, industry best practices, and proven technology solutions,” Phillips says.

“Maintaining an efficient, compliant, and service-oriented financial aid operation is no small task for colleges,” she added.  Although a challenge, she says the need to do so has never been greater. “Having a high-functioning financial aid office plays a key role in helping the institution meet its strategic enrollment and retention goals and avoid costly liabilities.”

Phillips believes that hard work, determination, persistence and support from the college are key elements in a student’s educational achievement. “Someone out there is looking for an alternative to living in the streets and living in poverty,” she says. “It is our responsibility to provide information that will give them educational options in their lives.”

If you would like to send a word of welcome to Dr. Phillips or schedule a meeting, email her at mphillips23@southwest.tn.edu or dial 901-333-4470 (Macon Cove Campus) or 901-333-5953 (Union Avenue Campus).