Elona Owens Awarded 2017 Norma Ford Financial Aid Professional Of The Year

Elona Owens from Asher College awarded the 2017 Norma Ford Financial Aid Professional of the Year. Continue reading →

Nov 28, 2017 /prREACH/ -- Asher College is pleased to announce that Asher College Financial Aid Administrator Elona Owens has been named the 2017 Norma Ford Financial Aid Professional of the Year.

The Norma Ford Award is presented by the California Association of Private Postsecondary Schools (CAPPS) to an excellent financial aid professional in honor of CAPPS Financial Aid trainer and Board Member Norma Ford who passed away in 2010.

In a recent interview Asher College President David Vice said that Elona’s unwavering professionalism and dedication to Asher students makes her a worthy recipient of this prestigious award.  He went on to say that Asher is proud she is a member of the Asher family and they recognize that she has been a significant contributing factor to the success of Asher College students.

Prior to beginning her career as a Financial Aid Administrator, Elona had worked in dental office management for over 30 years. In 2006, she became interested in education and in 2007 she began her career helping students realize they could afford to invest in their future.

Asher College Sacramento Campus Director Linda Freeman mentioned that being a vocational college graduate herself, Elona understands firsthand what Asher students are going through.

Elona empathized with students saying that at some schools, students don't know who their financial aid officer is and for many students going back to school is a big step and Asher’s financial aid department helps them through this process by walking them through everything available to them at Asher College. The goal is to support them and be their partners through this journey because helping them get an education will impact their life for the better. She went on to say that she feels wonderful to be able to be a part of helping support them through their college experience.

Freeman says that most Asher students are mature adults going back to school and making career changes and it's a very stressful time for them. Elona takes what is often the most stressful part of the enrollment process and puts people at ease. It's personal to her when a student realizes their dreams and goals.

The Norma Ford Award was presented October 13, 2017, at the CAPPS 33rd Annual Conference in San Diego. Her acceptance speech can be viewed here. Asher College has been helping students since 1998 and has locations in Dallas, Texas, Las Vegas, Nevada and Sacramento, CA. For more information on Asher College programs in Information Technology, Medical, or Business call 888-211-8829 or visit www.asher.edu.