Tia Smith
Assistant Director of Financial Aid
Tia Smith is originally from The Bronx, NYC, where she earned her B.S. in Psychology. In her sophomore year, she began her higher education career as the Receptionist of the Admissions department, where within 9-months, she was promoted to Admissions Counselor for the Graduate Health Sciences. Joining the financial aid team in 2009, Tia worked at two colleges in New York State before joining the University of Arizona’s Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid in 2017. While at the University of Arizona, Tia has presented on first-generation college students at the 2018 Arizona Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (AASFAA) Conference, Co-Chaired for the AASFAA’s Conference Committee during the 2018-2019 & 2019-2020 years & attended the 2019 National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) Legislative Conference and Expo. Tia is a current member of Toastmasters International, where she’s competed in three speech contests and held the role of President of Competitive Edge Toastmasters, ensuring to meet President’s Distinguished Honors during 2020-2021.
Tia joined the College of Law in November of 2020, where she currently assists all law graduate and professional students with funding their education. She’s currently completing her M.S. in Educational Leadership with a concentration on Higher Education/Community College Leadership. She enjoys writing fiction and hopes to publish a few novels.
Education
- B.S. Mercy College
2011
Work Experience
- Assistant Director of Financial Aid
James E. Rogers College of Law
2020 – Present
- Financial Aid Counselor
The University of Arizona Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid
2017 – 2020
- Systems & Loan Coordinator
Iona College, New Rochelle, NY
2013 – 2017
- Student Services Counselor
Mercy College – Dobbs Ferry, NY
2009 – 2013
- Admissions Counselor for the Graduate Health Sciences
Mercy College
2006 – 2009
- Admissions Receptionist
Mercy College
2005 - 2006