Calhoun Community College is excited to announce the appointment of Melissa Creasy as its new Director of Financial Aid. Bringing with her over 24 years of extensive experience in financial aid and higher education, Melissa is a seasoned professional with a deep commitment to student success and compliance with federal and state regulations.
Melissa joins Calhoun after serving as the Executive Director of Student Financial Services and Title IV Compliance at Chattahoochee Valley Community College in Phenix City, AL. In that role, she led strategic initiatives, enhanced financial aid services, and collaborated across campus to ensure the highest quality of student support. Additionally, she was responsible for establishing unit plans, managing key financial aid reporting, and providing innovative training solutions for her team. Her exceptional leadership and strategic planning skills have positioned her as a trusted leader in the field.
Prior to her time at Chattahoochee Valley, Melissa held key positions at Birmingham-Southern College, including Director and Assistant Director of Financial Aid. Her roles involved working closely with the Vice President of Enrollment Management, leading financial aid awarding strategies, and streamlining processes to improve efficiency and student engagement. She also contributed to accreditation efforts, managed state and federal reporting, and developed robust staff training programs.
Throughout her career, Melissa has shown a strong dedication to professional development and compliance, attending numerous conferences to stay up to date with the ever-evolving landscape of financial aid. Her technical expertise includes mastery of software systems such as Ellucian Banner, Colleague, and Crystal Reports, ensuring efficient and accurate financial aid processing.
In addition to her impressive professional background, Melissa holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a prescribed minor in Mathematics and a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in Information Systems, both from the University of North Alabama. She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Education at the University of Southern Mississippi, with an expected graduation in 2025.
Melissa’s affiliations include the Alabama Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (AASFAA), the Southern Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (SASFAA), and the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA). She also holds NASFAA credentials in multiple areas, including Verification, Return of Title IV, and Professional Judgment.
“We are thrilled to welcome Melissa to the Calhoun family,” said Dr. Jimmy Hodges, President of Calhoun Community College. “Her wealth of experience, leadership, and vision will play an essential role in helping our students navigate the complexities of financial aid and achieve their educational goals,” Hodges adds.