Independence Community College is pleased to welcome Rakista Hampton as the Executive Director of Financial Aid. Hampton will assume her role at the beginning of July.
"We are thrilled to welcome Rakista to our team. With over a decade of experience with student financial aid and Title IV compliance, and exemplary technical proficiency of federal regulations, she will be a valuable asset to our financial aid office," said Jonathan Sadhoo, President. "We are confident that her expertise will greatly enhance our operations and support our students in achieving their educational goals."
Previously serving as the Assistant Director of Operations & Compliance at Tulsa Community College since August 2012, Hampton has a proven track record of ensuring adherence to federal and state financial aid regulations. Her extensive experience in auditing student files, leading projects, and managing daily operations is a testament to her capabilities.
Before this, Hampton was a Financial Aid Counselor at Langston University from August 2011 to August 2012, where she processed financial aid applications, completed verifications, counseled students and parents on financial aid processes and eligibility, monitored students' academic progression, and assisted with special projects and daily office duties. She also managed student tracking, budgeting, and packaging.
Earlier in her career, from May 2007 to August 2011, she served as an Administrative Assistant of Financial Aid at Redlands Community College. In this role, she handled correspondence, prioritized tasks, managed a high volume of calls, organized confidential files, and scheduled appointments. She resolved issues with student account balances and utilized her proficiency in computer and accounting skills, including Microsoft Office. Additionally, she counseled students and parents on financial aid applications, eligibility, and funding sources.
Hampton holds an MBA in Business Administration from Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU), earned in May 2020. She also completed her B.A. in Business Administration at SWOSU in May 2011 and received an A.A. in General Studies from Redlands Community College in May 2008.
"I am thrilled to join the vibrant community at Independence Community College. It is an honor to be part of a campus culture that values education and student success so highly," said Hampton. "I look forward to working with students and their families to navigate the financial aid process, ensuring everyone can achieve their educational dreams. Together, we will make college more accessible and affordable for all."