December 10, 2009

Who's Who at OGSLP?

Name: Tarnya Brooks
Department: Policy, Compliance and Training (PCT)
Title: Policy Specialist
Tenure with OGSLP: 18 years

How do your daily duties directly impact OGSLP's customers?
My primary responsibilities include communicating with our systems vendor. It’s my job to make sure our staff is able to access the information they need to provide our clients with loan information and facilitate any vendor system-related issues. I enjoy providing one-on-one customer service to the staff and our collection agency vendors when troubleshooting a system-related issue. My other duties include BEG (Business Expert Group) facilitation and policy development and implementation.

What advice would you give to someone in our industry who's new to working with student loans?
My advice is to find the passion for what you do. I’m excited every day knowing that OGSLP is helping Oklahoma students reach their goal of completing a higher education.

What do you find most challenging about working with student loans?
I don’t think I would call working with student loans a challenge, necessarily. I see changes in the industry not as obstacles, but as opportunities to improve our performance and rapport with the community and our students.

What are some of the unique services your department provides our customers?
The PCT department provides helpful, top-notch training internally and externally. Additionally, requests for discharges, including Teacher Loan Forgiveness, receive accurate and timely processing. We also address school and borrower inquiries about legislation, regulations and compliance.

What are your hobbies or interests?
Where would I be without literature? I love to read, but I must admit that I’ve recently become obsessed with a popular online word game. I can waste countless hours at home trying to figure out what new and exciting word will garner the most points. I also enjoy cooking for and spending time with my wonderful husband and adult son.