Case Study: Clarkson University

October 2025

Goal

Provide a trusted advisor to be a strategic thought partner around loan processing and management.

Situation

Nicole Adner, Director of Financial Aid at Clarkson University, contacted Blue Icon Advisors seeking assistance to support the loan manager. Having been in the position for four months, the loan manager was expanding his knowledge base and needed dedicated support for focused coaching and training to learn how to manage errors and exceptions in regular loan processing.

Solution

Brandon McAnuff, Blue Icon consultant, provided executive coaching twice weekly for five months to focus on PeopleSoft and COD functions, including identifying rejected records and required corrective actions, reviewing Direct Loan reconciliation requirements, managing private education loans, and maintaining written procedural documentation.

In preparation for coaching, Clarkson shared existing loan policies and procedures (P&Ps) with the coach. The loan manager and coach discussed the P&Ps, identifying and resolving issues through collaboration together. “The experience of mentoring the loan manager through the engagement highlighted significant benefits in the collaborative structure,” McAnuff said.

Outcome

“Our Blue Icon consultant saved me an enormous amount of time to train the loan manager,” Adner said. Through coaching with Blue Icon, the loan manager improved the existing P&Ps and is comfortable with administering all loan programs with very few questions.

“Seeing the immediate, positive impact on Paul's capabilities and confidence was what truly made this project a success,” McAnuff said.

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