MVP Cheryl Lyons

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MVP: Most Valuable Professional is an occasional series that features a brief Q&A with a different NASFAA member. Do you know a financial aid colleague with something interesting to say? Send the names of potential future MVPs and a short note about why you're nominating them to [email protected]. 

Cheryl LyonsCheryl Lyons
Director of Financial Aid
University of Central Arkansas 

Meet Cheryl Lyons. Cheryl is the director of financial aid at the University of Central Arkansas (UCA). She has been at UCA for 21 years and has worked in the financial aid world throughout her career, with stints at the financial aid offices of the University of Arkansas, Murray State College in Oklahoma, and East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma. "When I finished [my graduate work] I just needed a job and the financial aid office had an opening," she said of completing her graduate work at the University of Arkansas. "I applied and I was hired as a counselor and just loved it."

Cheryl has been very involved with NASFAA throughout her career, serving on the NASFAA Board of Directors from 2003 to 2005, as well as a number of committees and working groups, such as the Compliance Engine User Working Group and the Certified Financial Aid Administrator® Program Implementation Working Group. Cheryl says her involvement over the years has helped her develop her leadership skills and has provided her with useful training tools for regulatory issues, helping her serve both students within her office as well as the larger financial aid community. In 2007, Cheryl received one of NASFAA's Regional Leadership Awards, which are awarded to individuals, who need not be financial aid administrators, who have made outstanding contributions to the financial aid profession at the regional and state levels over a sustained period of time.

What's one thing you love about working at the University of Central Arkansas?

The atmosphere here from the very beginning. It doesn't matter what office you're in, if you're faculty or staff, whether you're in student accounts, financial aid, or the administration — the expectation is that we are going to work together, and it's true. We work together to get the work done and it's very collegial.

Is there anything in particular that motivates you to work hard?

Honestly, I was raised that way. My parents both had an amazing work ethic. They were great role models for me and my three brothers, and so it was kind of built into me.

What has the COVID-19 outbreak taught you about yourself and/or your team?

It's reiterated that the skill sets that make us successful in our career in financial aid — being organized, being problem solvers, being resilient — and our creative skills are really what's helping us manage the crisis on our campus quite well.

Is there anything in particular about the financial aid system that you wish you could change?

It would probably be that the regulations are so unnecessarily tedious. It discourages both students from continuing the process and staff from continuing in the career field. Simply, simplification is just desperately needed.

Are there any specific skill sets that you've wanted to learn recently or any skills you wish you had right now?

I wish I could duplicate myself. If we had 10 of me — maybe not necessarily just me — but if I could clone people, I would clone multiple staff within the office to help get the work done and manage everything. I don't mean to be comical, but if I had a superpower that would be it.

Is there any message you would like to send to your colleagues in financial aid during these uncertain times with the ongoing pandemic?

We're a pretty tight knit group both personally and professionally. This is just a really difficult time. What I say to my colleagues, especially the younger ones or the less experienced ones, is that all you can do is do your best every day. Do what you can do to be safe and healthy, and keep moving forward. Remember you're not alone, that you have colleagues you can phone who understand your struggles and who will be more than happy to talk with you, and to encourage you.

 

Publication Date: 8/24/2020


Diane B | 8/31/2020 10:7:07 AM

Congratulations Cheryl! A well deserved recognition.

Jay S | 8/24/2020 5:36:52 PM

What a pleasant surprise to see Cheryl's picture and feature show up here! Cheryl is a treasure among financial aid administrators in Arkansas. She's simply the best.

Julia R | 8/24/2020 3:1:58 PM

I've worked with Cheryl since she came to UCA back in Feb. 1999. Her dedication to her job and her leadership are extraordinary. She is most deserving of this MVP recognition. Congratulations Cheryl!

Jason R | 8/24/2020 12:22:26 PM

I worked with Cheryl for many years at UCA, and I can't say enough about how talented she is and about much she cares about doing the right thing. I still call her to discuss topics facing Higher Education. Congratulations Cheryl!

Jill K | 8/24/2020 11:4:50 AM

Cheryl has been a superb leader for our office. She is extremely dedicated and leads by example. I can't think of anyone more deserving of MVP!

Jennifer S | 8/24/2020 10:53:12 AM

Congratulations Cheryl, well deserved to an outstanding leader. (I miss the Arkansas comradery, within the state association, provided to its professionals.) Best wishes, Jennifer (Ball) Speer

Michelle C | 8/24/2020 10:51:51 AM

Cheryl is truly a MVP! I often ask Cheryl for advice and she is always willing to share.She is kind and well liked in the AASFAA community. Congratulations Chery!

Andrew L | 8/24/2020 10:16:41 AM

Cheryl has been an invaluable colleague during my time at UCA and at my two institutions since. I can't think of anyone more deserving! Congrats, Cheryl!

Tony W | 8/24/2020 10:10:39 AM

Cheryl is a true professional and a valuable asset to the financial aid community. Arkansas is lucky to have her.

Jonathan R | 8/24/2020 9:37:26 AM

Cheryl has consistently, consistently demonstrated herself to be an excellent leader. She is definitely an MVP. - Jonathan Roberts, Harding

Mark B | 8/24/2020 8:52:02 AM

Yeah Cheryl!! Miss you and hope all is well. Mark Bandre'

Lisanne M | 8/24/2020 8:24:23 AM

Congratulations to such a deserving person!

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