Alumni Association Spotlight: Priscilla Dickens

Priscilla Dickens

Priscilla Dickens is the Assistant Director of Financial Aid at Nash Community College. Her duties include assisting students with the financial aid process, awarding federal and state grants, and overseeing the administration of the college work-study and childcare grant programs. 

Priscilla Dickens recently provided insight into her journey to Nash Community College for education and training and her subsequent career at the college. 

“I graduated from Northern Nash High School,” Dickens said. “I decided to further my education at NCC after being in the workforce for a few years. NCC gave me the chance to increase my skills while staying close to home. I had two young school-age children at the time.” 

Thinking back to that time, Dickens says, “It was very challenging. I had to study vigorously to perform well in my courses, but I was determined to do it in order to reach my goals.” She also notes that her instructors were willing to go above and beyond to offer her support. Priscilla Dickens earned an Associate Degree in Accounting from Nash Community College and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at North Carolina Wesleyan College. 

Dickens began working at the college as a part-time employee in the Admissions Office and was hired full-time in 1999. She credits her time at NCC as preparing her for her career saying, “I was not a traditional student. I had been out in the workforce for several years prior to attending NCC. However, I believe my time at NCC enhanced my skills and helped prepare me for the various roles that I have had during my career.” Priscilla Dickens transferred from the Admissions Office to the Financial Aid Office and from a Financial Aid Assistant to an Assistant Financial Officer, and finally to her current position as the Assistant Director of Financial Aid. 

She said she enjoys her job, which involves helping students with financial aid in order to achieve their educational goals. Dickens acknowledges that many students and community members have faced hardships but offers these words of encouragement: “Do not allow things that have happened in your life to discourage you from succeeding. Take one step at a time. Always look forward, and never look backward.”

Nash Community College recommends current and prospective students complete the FAFSA. Research obtained by myFutureNC shows students who complete the FAFSA are more likely to enroll in higher education, persist in their college coursework, or obtain a degree.

For more information call (252)428-7328 or email nccfinancialaid@nashcc.edu.