n e l n e t - Full Circle Award Recipient

Scott Medlin, Financial Aid Director at the University of Arkansas Fort Smith, has been described as inspirational, encouraging, and an outstanding professional to turn to with financial aid questions and for accurate information.

"Mr. Medlin is the person to go to should a student have any financial aid questions, but not know where to turn for direction or where to get the answers," said Deanie Hensley, a 41-year old non-traditional student from NSU who nominated Mr. Medlin, and who has personally witnessed Mr. Medlin going to great lengths to educate students about their choices in paying for a college education.

With that in mind, it is with great honor that Nelnet presents Mr. Medlin with the Full Circle Award, an award based on excellence in service to students in all areas that surround the financial aid process. Including scholarship and aid determination, application, disbursement, exit counseling, and beyond. In addition, award recipients demonstrate outstanding knowledge and accessibility, as well as exceptional vision in making financial aid a simpler process for every student.

"I believe that to be successful as a Financial Aid Director, you first have to have a caring heart for students, and make that caring the very foundation of everything you do. Being accessible, approachable, outgoing, friendly, and honest with students is the key to success in this profession," said Mr. Medlin. "Students need someone who can not only help them with the financial component of college, but someone who will take a interest in them and make them feel good about their decision to be in school. A student that receives this type of support is much more likely to be successful."

Mr. Medlin has been at the forefront of college financial aid for 18 years, has been involved in professional activities at the regional and national level, and is currently providing a leadership role in several outreach activities in the state of Oklahoma.

"It's easy to think of the financial aid profession as a nine to five job. However, the true financial aid professional believes in making a difference in people's lives and doing whatever they can to help students be successful," said Ron Hancock, Vice President of Educational Services for Bank of Oklahoma. "Scott's contributions to the state financial aid association as well as involvement in local presentations are immeasurable. It involves a personal commitment to go that extra mile because of a belief in knowing one person CAN make a difference."

Mr. Medlin thanks his wife Patty and son Nathan for helping him deal with the frustrations and challenges of being a financial aid administrator. Also notable are Mr. Dennis Bearpaw and Dr. Larry N. Williams. "Mr. Bearpaw is the individual that started me on my financial aid journey and recognized the potential in me as a financial aid professional. Dr. Williams gave me my first position as a Financial Aid Director and remains to this day a professional mentor and individual after whom I emulate my career," said Mr. Medlin.

Nelnet appreciates the opportunity to reward Financial Aid Officers on a quarterly basis for their professional excellence in the financial aid field. For additional information or to nominate an officer, write a one-paragraph nomination letter outlining how the nominee demonstrates excellence, and mail it to Nelnet, 121 South 13th Street, Suite 400, Lincoln, NE 68508.



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