Aid office brings in one of its own

Thad Davidson, Assistant Director of Financial Aid

A familiar face was recently welcomed back to the Emporia State University campus and to the financial aid office.

ESU alum Thad Davidson recently joined the financial aid team as assistant director.

During his four-year stay at ESU, Davidson was a student worker in the financial aid office.

Davidson said it was this financial aid background that led him to apply and accept the assistant director position.

“Based on my computer science background, this position seemed like a natural move for me,” he said. “Knowing quite a bit about financial aid from being a work-study student really helped me.”

Davidson received his Bachelor of Science degree in computer science from ESU in 2002.

"We are pleased that Thad agreed to join our staff. His computer science and financial aid knowledge has already proven beneficial in enhancing our goal of providing great service to students,” said Elaine Henrie, financial aid director.

Davidson said he was intrigued about the position when he heard from a former financial aid director that the position was going to be more technical and TCS type stuff.

“I aim to provide more technology for our students to use,” Davidson said. “I have been very instrumental in getting student electronic award letters on-line. Students are now able view, sign, and send their award letters to our office on-line.”

Some of his duties include administration of BANNER software, uploading and downloading student award letters, handling disbursements of funds, assisting with financial aid packaging, and other general financial aid duties.

“Knowing that I have made a student happy is rewarding to me,” he said. “Whether it is through email or over the phone, just hearing their gratification makes me happy.”

Last Updated July 2, 2007