Photo by Christina VanHorn,
UNH Human Resources

With the cost of college rising, the demand for financial aid is growing. Also in demand are people like Jennifer Smith. As one of the Assistant Directors of Financial Aid, Jennifer acts as a guide for students and parents who want, and need, to discover what financial aid can make possible. After 24 years in the Financial Aid Office here at UNH, she still loves it.

"The University environment is fun to work in," she says. "While on one hand it is very comfortable for me after all these years, there is always more to learn. It's always changing and change doesn't scare me."

Working with college students keeps her in touch with what is going on, Jennifer says. "It keeps you in tune with how young people think, what the latest trends are. It is fun to work with college students, to see what they do and where they go," she says.

Jennifer, a native of Meredith, New Hampshire, transferred to UNH in 1980. During her last semester, she had a work-study job with Institutional Research, where she did basic computer work. Through her computer work at Institutional Research, Jennifer found her niche.

"I really enjoyed the computer work and although I had always had customer service type summer jobs I decided working with computers was what I wanted to do," she says.

Jennifer started off as a Data Analyst for the Financial Aid Office before becoming a Counselor in 1985. In 1986 became an Assistant Director of Financial Aid, the position she holds now. As Assistant Director, she oversees the front office managing the traffic flow of students and their questions. She also reviews applications and determines financial aid eligibility. She enjoys the mix of meeting people face to face as well as troubleshooting problems.

During springtime, the office is abuzz, and this is when Jennifer needs to be on top of her game.

"I love this time of year the most. It is a time of year when the entire office is busy, and although we are certainly working with the continuing student population, the primary focus is on the upcoming freshmen class," she says.

Along with keeping the front office in order, Jennifer often shares her knowledge of the system with prospective students from local high schools on "financial aid nights." During these sessions, Jennifer speaks to parents and students about the ins and outs of applying for financial aid.

"We explain how and why we award financial aid and how to take the next step," she says. "I enjoy being able to educate parents and students who are trying to make the important decision about which college to attend and how to finance it."

Jennifer acknowledges that financing an education is a stressful time for parents and students. This is where she relies on her people skills, patience and good decision making to make the process a little less painful.

No doubt in the 24 years she has been in the Financial Aid Office, Jennifer has forged numerous relationships with those around her. However, she singles out two people who have had the most positive effect on her. Dick Craig, former Director of Financial Aid, and current Director Suzy Allen gave Jennifer the opportunity to grow into the experienced individual she is today.

"They both gave me direction, and at the same time, the freedom which allowed me to grow right from the start. I was young and eager to learn and they knew how to make that a positive for me and the office," she says.

Earlier this month, Jennifer, along with her fellow colleagues in the Financial Aid Office were this year's Staff recipients for the Kidder Fund Awards.

When she is not working, Jennifer likes to relax by spending time in her garden.

"I have always had a garden even when I lived in an apartment," she says. Pulling weeds and planting flowers is my therapy for whatever ails me."