Skip to Main Content Skip to Main Navigation Skip to Footer
UNG Logo
  • Info For...
    • Accepted Students
    • Current Students
    • Parents & Family
    • Faculty & Staff
    • Alumni
    • Business & Community
    • International Students
  • Quicklinks
    • Directories
    • myUNG
    • Academic Catalogs
    • Athletics
    • Banner
    • Bookstore
    • Calendars
    • Campuses & Maps
    • Continuing Education
    • D2L
    • Employment / HR
    • IT Service Desk
    • Libraries
    • UNG Foundation
  • Admissions
  • Corps of Cadets
  • Academics
  • Cost & Aid
  • Student Life
  • News & Events
  • Athletics
  • About Us
Newsroom
  • All Articles
  • Media Relations Contact
  • Expert Guide
  • Points of Pride
  • Magazine
  • Social Media
    1. UNG
    2. News

    Smith honored for financial aid work

    June 27, 2022
    Susan Smith, UNG associate director of financial aid, in June earned the Donald E. Payton Award for Lifetime Achievement.

    Article By: Denise Ray

    Susan Smith, associate director of operations and technology for the University of North Georgia (UNG) financial aid office, received the Donald E. Payton Award for Lifetime Achievement.

    Given by the Executive Board of the Georgia Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (GASFAA) at its June 1-3 annual conference, the award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated lifelong significant and consistent contributions as members of GASFAA, a high level of competency in student financial aid, and leadership in the community and institutional affairs. Smith is one of only 17 recipients since the award was first given in 1988.

    "Susan is hard-working. She helps everyone within the state with any Banner issue they might have," Jill Rayner, UNG director of financial aid, said. "She is known across the state for her technical expertise. Susan can take a complicated process and break it down so others can learn."

    Receiving the Donald E. Payton Award for Lifetime Achievement is both exciting and humbling, Smith said.

    "To be recognized by your peers for being an integral part of an organization from which you have found immeasurable joy is truly amazing," she said.

    Smith's 32-year career with UNG began as an instructor of mathematics in Gainesville. During her tenure as an instructor, she also worked with Institutional Research. Smith taught for more than 13 years before being named the interim director of financial aid in 2004 and director of financial aid at Gainesville State College from 2005-2012.

    Additionally, David McMillion, associate director of financial aid at UNG, was elected president of GASFAA for the 2022-23 academic year.

    Contact the Author

    Book by Rifenburg explores cadet writing

    Book by Rifenburg explores cadet writing

    UNG English faculty member Dr. Michael Rifenburg is publishing a book about the writing training ROTC cadets receive.
    President Jacobs announces plans to retire in 2023

    President Jacobs announces plans to retire in 2023

    University of North Georgia President Bonita Jacobs has announced plans to retire at the end of the coming academic year in June 2023.
    Alumna awarded Phi Kappa Phi fellowship

    Alumna awarded Phi Kappa Phi fellowship

    UNG alumna Leah Pennell won a Phi Kappa Phi fellowship and will use it to fund research at Georgia Tech, where she is pursuing a doctoral degree in molecular and cellular biology.
    Upward Bound Summer Institute hits fifth year

    Upward Bound Summer Institute hits fifth year

    Now in its fifth year, the Upward Bound Summer Institute has served 130 pre-college students in Ellijay's Gilmer High School and 119 at Johnson High School in Gainesville, Georgia, since its inception in 2017.

    UNG Logo
    • Contact Us
    • Request Information
    • Quick Facts
    • Campus Maps & Directions
    • Student Consumer Information
    • Campus Safety
    • Emergency Information
    • Employment /HR
    • UNG Policies & Procedures
    • UNG Alumni Association
    • UNG Foundation
    • Ethics & Compliance Hotline
    • Human Trafficking Notice
    • Equal Empl. Opportunity

    © 2022 The University System of Georgia and the University of North Georgia.

    UNG follows the section 508 Standards and WCAG 2.1 for web accessibility. If you require this content in another format, please send an email to the ADA Coordinator.

    Use of military-themed imagery does not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Department of Defense.

    • Accreditation
    • Accessibility
    • Privacy Policy
    AskNigel