CCU’s Samantha Hicks, Sarah Weaver earn nationally recognized financial aid administrator certification
“Earning the FAAC® designation shows Samantha’s and Sarah’s commitment to the financial aid profession as they join an elite group of less than 600 financial aid professionals,” said Amanda Craddock, CCU’s vice president for enrollment management. “This is a remarkable accomplishment, and their certification will enhance the level of service the financial aid and scholarships department provides to students as well as validate the importance of financial aid administration at the institution.”
Hicks began her career in financial aid as a work-study student in CCU’s financial aid office in 2007. After earning a bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 2009 and a short stint teaching for Horry County Schools, she transitioned to a full-time role as a financial aid counselor at CCU in April 2010. Hicks obtained an MBA from CCU in 2013 and a doctorate in higher education with a specialization in higher education leadership from Walden University in 2021. She resides in Conway, S.C., with her husband, Jamal, and daughter, Francena Joy.
“As a first-generation college student from a poverty background, I saw first-hand the transformational power of using financial aid to access higher education,” said Hicks. “This experience fuels my passion for helping others attend college. Pursuing the FAAC certification was a professional development opportunity that benefited my career and added value to our institution. Coastal Carolina University is now one of the few universities in the state of South Carolina with two Certified Financial Aid Administrators on staff.”
Weaver said financial aid plays a critical role in the success of students and the institution overall and having this certification provides credibility to the financial aid profession. In a profession of continuous policy and regulatory change, there is always something new to learn.
“There are currently only 16 individuals with the FAAC® designation in South Carolina,” said Weaver. “I believe this validates CCU’s commitment to our students. Having staff who are certified in their profession demonstrates passion and commitment to professional development, upholding ethical standards, and having the expertise to assist our students achieve academic success.”
Weaver is an active member of NASFAA, South Carolina Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, and Southern Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. In addition to the FAAC® certification, she has obtained four subject-specific credentials from NASFAA.
Weaver began her career at CCU in 2009 as a financial aid counselor. During her nearly 13 years at the University, she progressed through the department as assistant director of financial aid and compliance; associate director of operations, technology and communication, and into her current role. Weaver earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Radford University in 2007 and a Master of Science in Education in higher education from Capella University in 2017. She and her husband Randy ’09, have three children, Jolene 12, Kayla 9, and Jude 7, and two dogs.
The CFAA program is a first-in-the-industry effort, launched in 2019, that validates the skills and knowledge of financial aid professionals at postsecondary institutions nationwide. NASFAA is a nonprofit membership organization that represents more than 29,000 financial aid professionals at approximately 3,000 colleges, universities, and career schools across the country. NASFAA is the only national association with a primary focus on student aid legislation, regulatory analysis, and training for financial aid administrators.