Teneisha Adams
Sumter
Summary
Experienced and equity-focused higher education administrator with over a decade of success in financial aid leadership, student services, and compliance oversight. Skilled in administering federal and South Carolina state aid programs (SCTG, LIFE, HOPE, Palmetto Fellows), leveraging data-informed strategies to drive student retention and operational efficiency. Adept in PowerFAIDS, Jenzabar, NSLDS, COD, and Banner. Proven ability to align financial aid operations with institutional goals, foster cross-functional collaboration, and support student success through strategic planning, transcript verification, and policy compliance.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Associate Director of Financial Aid
Southeastern College
Columbia
08.2024 - Current
- Supervise a team of financial aid administrators in ensuring timely and accurate delivery of federal and state aid.
- Oversee student financing, SAP appeals, and transcript verification for aid eligibility.
- Manage performance and compliance audits, ensuring adherence to federal and SC Commission on Higher Education (CHE) regulations.
- Conduct student aid reviews and financial literacy sessions, promoting debt management.
- Utilize PowerFAIDS, NSLDS, and COD to monitor aid processing and reporting.
Lead Financial Aid Advisor
Pierce Mortuary Colleges
Decatur
06.2023 - 05.2024
- Directed all state and federal financial aid programs, including LIFE, HOPE, and Palmetto Fellows.
- Submitted accurate reports to state and federal agencies; ensured exception-free audits.
- Conducted SAP evaluations and appeals processing, improving student retention outcomes.
- Delivered workshops and financial aid presentations to high school students and families.
- Developed procedures to ensure compliance with Title IV and state aid programs.
- Supported data-informed recruitment efforts by generating timely aid award packages.
Director of Student Services & Admissions
Ragin Preparatory Christian Academy
Sumter
08.2020 - 06.2022
- Oversaw enrollment strategy and admissions from inquiry through matriculation.
- Led inclusive outreach campaigns targeting underrepresented students.
- Collaborated with academic leadership to align recruitment goals with school mission.
Student Services Coordinator II / Student Loan Manager
Central Carolina Technical College
Sumter
01.2013 - 08.2018
- Managed all Direct Loan reconciliation and Return of Title IV (R2T4) processing.
- Served as Title IV and student loan compliance trainer; updated P&P in line with federal regulations.
- Led transcript verification for aid disbursement and academic eligibility.
- Chaired the Default Management and Prevention Taskforce to align with institutional goals.
- Delivered financial aid presentations to students, families, and community groups.
Administrative Specialist - Admissions & Financial Aid
Central Carolina Technical College
Sumter
03.2009 - 01.2013
- Supported recruitment efforts through local high school outreach and workshops.
- Assisted in day-to-day processing of financial aid documentation and applications.
- Used Banner to track, update, and maintain student financial records.
Education
M.Ed. - Higher Education Administration
Columbia College
Columbia, SC01.2015
B.A. - Behavioral Science
Columbia College
Columbia, SC01.2014
Skills
- Title IV & State Aid Compliance
- Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Appeals
- Financial Aid Operations & Strategy
- Student Retention & Enrollment Management
- Transcript Verification & Audits
- Leadership & Team Development
- Data-Informed Decision Making
- Equity & Inclusion Practices
- Financial Aid Systems: Banner
- Financial Aid Systems: Anthology
- Financial Aid Systems: PowerFAIDS
- Financial Aid Systems: NSLDS
- Financial Aid Systems: COD
- Financial Aid Systems: Jenzabar
- Technical Skills: PowerFAIDS
- Technical Skills: Jenzabar
- Technical Skills: Ellucian Banner
- Technical Skills: Anthology
- Technical Skills: NSLDS
- Technical Skills: COD
- Technical Skills: SIS
- Technical Skills: Canvas
- Technical Skills: Blackboard
- Technical Skills: D2L
- Technical Skills: Global Director
- Technical Skills: Gemcor
- Technical Skills: MS Office
- Technical Skills: Google Workspace
Certification
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, 01/01/21
- NASFAA Return of Title IV, 01/01/15
- Student Services, 01/01/14
References
Available upon request
Professional Highlights
- Chairperson of CCTC Default Management Taskforce- Financial Aid Compliance Trainer
- Led retention initiative resulting in a 21% increase at CCTC
- Co-Author of 'Reach to Success' Freshman Seminar Textbook
Timeline
Associate Director of Financial Aid
Southeastern College
08.2024 - Current
Lead Financial Aid Advisor
Pierce Mortuary Colleges
06.2023 - 05.2024
Director of Student Services & Admissions
Ragin Preparatory Christian Academy
08.2020 - 06.2022
Student Services Coordinator II / Student Loan Manager
Central Carolina Technical College
01.2013 - 08.2018
Administrative Specialist - Admissions & Financial Aid
Central Carolina Technical College
03.2009 - 01.2013
M.Ed. - Higher Education Administration
Columbia College
B.A. - Behavioral Science
Columbia College
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