Susan Barber’s Start in Higher Ed!

Financial Aid Services (FAS) and Genesis Software, we are known for our industry expertise with decades worth of experience. But how did our experts first begin their journey in the world of Higher Education and Financial Aid? This month we’re hearing from Susan Barber, a senior consultant and expert on all things Pell. Sue also recently took over managing our Reconciliation department!

I started at FAS in 1993 when my prior employer’s company shut down. I was also attending college at the time, so I really needed another job FAST!

I was 23 years old and nearly finished with my degree when I saw FAS was hiring a front desk assistant. It didn’t take long for me to blend in with this young FAS family at that time and I quickly found myself learning Title IV.

While my journey started at the front desk rerouting calls, it evolved to requesting funding and submitting disbursements to the Department of Education (DOE). Before I knew it, I was moving through the organization, learning Verification, Reconciliation, Pell, and more. Having the ability to learn about industry changes year by year kept me deeply engaged.

Here I am today in 2023 and hitting my 30-year anniversary! The one thing that has not changed in my 30-year tenure is how often Title IV changes each year! Keeping us all on our toes!

I consider FAS my family and love that I can contribute so much to this company, our community and our client schools each and every day.

If you’re new to the Higher Education industry, or have been around for years, we’d love to hear how YOU began! Tell us your story below!