Hocking College is pleased to announce Deneene Merchant has been named new Director of Financial Aid.

Merchant previously held a corporate position with Corinthian Colleges, Inc (CCI) as Regional Director of Student Finance and served for five years as Director of Student Finance at Everest with CCI.  She also served in financial aid leadership roles with Kaplan University, Southwestern College of Business, Central State University and The Ohio State University.

Merchant is a graduate of Ohio Dominican College, where she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, and of the University of Phoenix, where she earned her MBA in Business with a specialization in Human Resources Management. She began her professional career as a Policy Assistant to former Governor Richard F. Celeste of Ohio. Merchant’s responsibilities included researching education policy to support improved standards for Ohio school systems; drafting written correspondence to respond to Ohio constituents and preparing talking points for education related events.

“I have dedicated my career to student success and professional development of staff through access, training and leadership while at the same time translating business strategies into maximum profits for shareholders,” Merchant said.

The Director of Financial Aid administers the functions and services delivered by the Financial Aid Services Department; manages the day-to-day operations of the unit; manages the personnel employed within the unit and serves as a member of the college administrative group.