GREENEVILLE – Ashley Edens, who successfully directs Tusculum University’s robust financial aid program, has joined an elite group in her profession with her recent receipt of a special certification.
Ashley Edens
Edens passed the examination to become a Certified Financial Aid Administrator™. Of the 75 people who have agreed to be listed on this registry with the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, she is the only person from a university or college in Tennessee.
“We are extremely proud of Ashley for pursuing this certification and advancing her skill set further,” said Dr. James Hurley, Tusculum’s president. “Ashley has repeatedly demonstrated excellence in leading our financial aid team, and this designation will provide an even higher level of confidence in our stellar program.”
The Certified Financial Aid Administrator™ program was established in 2018. The NASFAA website said the program’s goals include elevating professional standards, enhancing individual performance and encouraging continuous learning. The test examines a person’s knowledge in 12 major areas, such as student eligibility, cost of attendance and need analysis, cash management, administrative capability, data management and professional judgment.
Edens’ certification lasts for three years before she has to reapply.
“Financial aid is an essential piece of the puzzle for so many students, and our team focuses on helping them navigate this process seamlessly,” Edens said. “As director of financial aid, I understand the value of learning more about all aspects for the benefit of our students. I am pleased to represent Tusculum as one of the early recipients of this certification and am grateful to the university for supporting me.”
Edens has served as Tusculum’s financial aid director for 1 ½ years. She was previously a financial aid coordinator, direct loan coordinator and financial aid counselor at Tusculum and director of financial aid at Walters State Community College. In all, she has more than 10 years of financial aid experience.
She has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from East Tennessee State University, a master’s degree in education leadership from Tennessee State University and a Master of Business Administration from Milligan College.