Melissa Johnson

TCAT - Knoxville

Statement of Candidacy

It is an honor to be a nominee for the TASFAA’s 2026-2027 TCAT Representative position.

Last year was my first TASFAA conference and I knew right away that I wanted to become

more involved with TASFAA because the experience inspired me to grow professionally and

demonstrated how encouragement makes a meaningful difference. I was new to financial

aid and was able to meet, learn, and have fun with fellow professionals experiencing

similar situations as me. TASFAA shows the effectiveness of collaboration within an

association, and I would enjoy being a part of supporting that effectiveness.

I am currently serving in the role of Financial Aid Support Associate at TCAT Knoxville.

Although I am new to financial aid, I have a social work background and more than 12 years

of experience serving my community. My previous position focused on serving low-income

families and mentoring them as they worked toward financial stability. That experience

strengthened my ability to advocate, communicate effectively, and lead with empathy. My

transition into financial aid has been rewarding because I have a heart for students, their

success, and guiding them through the financial aid process. With a strong focus on

student success, my aim is to continue learning and stay informed about the constant

changes and their impact on TCAT institutions.

In my current role, I have actively attended several conferences to strengthen my

effectiveness as a financial aid professional. One of those opportunities was the 2025

SASFAA Camp. From that experience, I was able to earn 12 NASFAA professional

credentials, which is a great start toward my goal of becoming a Certified Financial Aid

Administrator (CFAA).

I am eager for the opportunity to serve as the TCAT Representative and to give back to an

organization that has already played a meaningful role in my professional growth. With my

background in service, commitment to student success, and dedication to continuous

learning, I would strive to be a collaborative and dependable voice for TCAT institutions. It

would be an honor to support TASFAA this association.

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