Leadership Spotlight with Jayme Jarrett

Jayme Jarrett, Assistant Director of Financial Aid, Ohio Northern University, Communications/Electronic Initiatives Chair

How did you get started in financial aid? 

I actually started in higher education in admissions once I graduated from college.  During the Great Recession in 2009, my position was eliminated, but since I had a family I started looking for other roles in higher ed.  Financial aid was a natural fit for me, since I love solving problems and learning something new every day.

How did you first become involved in your state and regional associations? 

In Ohio, a coworker got me involved with the Needs Analysis committee that she was co-chairing way back in 2011. I’ve remained on that committee to this day, as well as served on the board as the Membership Chair, Northwest Regional Rep, and Vice-President for Training.  In MASFAA, I was at my first conference in 2011 and found the Program chair for the next year’s conference and said “I want to help!” and that’s how I became a member of the Program committee, which has evolved into numerous committee roles.

Why were you interested in a MASFAA leadership role? 

To be honest, I was quite shocked to be called and asked to be the Membership Services chair, which was my first MASFAA leadership role a few years ago.  I’d only been in MASFAA for a couple of years, and the leadership was all director-level types.  I was just a financial aid counselor, though you should never say you're "just" a whatever.  That made it all the more important for me to be at the table, in my opinion.  My involvement that year actually led to the formation of this committee – and it’s changed so much in the past 4 years.

What have you learned through your state or regional association that you were not expecting? 

I’ve definitely gained a lot of skills in areas that I didn’t expect to in the way of webmastering. I know lots about security certificates and email domains and I’ve brushed up on my coding…

What advice do you have for someone interested in becoming more involved in MASFAA? 

Ask how you can be involved! If you’re going to conference, working the registration table or moderating a session are 2 small, simple ways to help MASFAA, show that you’re eager to be involved, and meet people.  If you’re not attending conference, volunteer for a committee! MY committee (Communications and Electronic Initiatives) ALWAYS needs people.

What did you learn during your leadership term? 

Always expect the unexpected and to never judge a book by its cover.  I know those things seem cliché, but really, they’re true.

Have you ever presented at a MASFAA Conference? What did you present about and how did you get involved in presenting? 

Several times. The first time, a session was proposed about how different schools handled verification processes (back when QA was still a thing), and I volunteered to present on that panel as the small, private school representative.  I’ve also presented some social media sessions.

Have you ever volunteered with NASFAA? Could you tell us about the experience? 

I have been involved with the Angoff studies for 3 of the NASFAA Credential tests.  It’s a small way to be involved, but know that you’re helping improve things for colleagues nationally. 

What do you enjoy doing when you are outside the aid office? 

Hanging out with my son, of course, usually at one of his soccer games or scout events.  I’m a huge baseball fan, so if it’s baseball season, you’ll probably find me watching a game. Bucket list is to go to all 30 MLB parks, and I’m at 15 right now. (If any of my MSFAA friends want to host me in Detroit, that’s one I’m missing…)

Any final thoughts? 

Final thoughts makes it seem like I’m headed off into the great unknown…I love this profession, love my colleagues in MASFAA. If you see me at a conference or event, say hi!  I think everyone that knows me knows that I like to talk to people (and you’ll get a kick out of the southern accent).