ITTA BENA, Miss.—Mississippi Valley State University announced its new director of financial aid recently with the hiring of Letherio H. Zeigler.
Zeigler brings a wealth of experience to the university and has worked in financial aid for nearly 22 years. He has served as a director of financial aid at four institutions between Georgia and Tennessee.
According to Zeigler, working with students and providing top-notch service is key to running an efficient financial aid office.
“I love working with the students, and I am a strong believer in world-class customer service, along with making processes for students and staff as user-friendly and simple as possible. I will work tirelessly to achieve these goals,” he said.
The South Carolina native enrolled at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree. He obtained his Master of Arts Degree at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri. Currently, Zeigler is pursuing a doctorate in Educational Leadership/Higher Education Administration.
Zeigler started his work in financial aid when he was hired In May of 1997 at Lincoln University as a financial aid counselor as well as the Academic Scholarship chairperson.
“I enjoyed working and servicing the students, and at that moment, I knew this was the career I wanted to continue to pursue,” Zeigler explained.
He later became associate director at the Art Institute of Atlanta in 2001 and served there for several years until he was promoted to director of financial aid at the Art Institute of Tennessee-Nashville in 2011.
Zeigler served in that position for nearly three years until transitioning to Fisk University of Nashville, Tenn., as the director of financial aid.
“Mr. Zeigler has experience in various financial aid positions over the years, such as financial aid counselor, associate director, consultant and director. He is very knowledgeable of Title IV funding processes and federal regulations, two key aspects of any financial aid operation,” said Dr. Jacqueline Gibson Preastly, vice president of student affairs and enrollment management.
“Most importantly, Mr. Zeigler demonstrates the professional acumen to effectively educate our students and their parents on the financial aid process and available financial packaging options that will aid in funding their education at MVSU. Thus far, Mr. Zeigler has proven to be a sound asset to the University, and we are delighted to have him as part of the team,” she added.
At MVSU, Zeigler plans to put ideas into motion that will positively impact students and the entire campus community.
“I have a lot of strategic plans that I am certain will be beneficial to the students of MVSU as well as the institution as a whole,” Zeigler said. “I was truly honored to be selected as the Director of Financial Aid here at Mississippi Valley State University and look forward to servicing the MVSU community.”