Dori Barron’s Focus: Helping Students with Financial Aid

Morganton, NC— When a visitor to Dori Barron’s office takes a seat to meet with her, a variety of messages on her walls help create a welcoming, encouraging atmosphere. You’ll find a striking graphic of the slogan “Imagine Peace” as well an inspirational photo of a wheelchair-bound climber at the top of a misty waterfall and informative flyers on military benefits and childcare assistance for students. And while the woman behind the desk is in constant motion as Western Piedmont Community College’s (WPCC) Financial Aid Director, Ms. Barron remains peaceful and focused on helping students find their way to class financially.

When Dori’s youngest child started school in 1996, she came to WPCC to complete her Associate in Arts degree. While still a student, Dori also became an employee of the College the next year as an evening switchboard operator. She graduated in 1998 and was soon offered a position as a curriculum assistant. Dori was on her way. With support and encouragement from her dean, Dori gained her bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2006 from Appalachian State University. When the new Financial Aid Coordinator for Scholarships and Veterans Affairs position was created in 2007, she was offered the position and advanced into the Financial Aid Assistant Director job the following year. This Fall she became the College’s Financial Aid Director.

“I love helping students,” Dori explained. “I love the education atmosphere and the ability to give back to others. I understand that it can be difficult for students to navigate the road map of financial aid, and the Financial Aid staff and I are here to help them every step of the way.”

Dori is particularly passionate about helping veterans locate funding to return to school.

“All service members, whether or not they have seen combat, face a major transition when they return from military to civilian and/or college life. Their challenges are unique,” Dori said. “Not only must they deal with personal adjustments, they must deal with the often frustrating bureaucracy and backlog in the Veterans Administration. To succeed, student veterans and their families need our understanding, compassion and respect.”

Besides playing a big role in her own life, WPCC has become a tradition in Dori’s family: her son graduated in 2013 and is now a University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill) engineering student. She has four adult children and four grandchildren under the age of four.

“At WPCC, I found a work family that is supportive and encouraging as well as committed to the mission of helping students achieve their goal of education. Working here is a blessing.”

To learn more about financial aid options or assistance at WPCC, contact Ms. Barron at 828-448-3170 or dbarron@wpcc.edu.

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Western Piedmont Community College is situated in the picturesque rolling foothills of Morganton, North Carolina and has served the citizens of Burke County since 1964.  Each year, more than 10,700 students pursue personal enrichment, new skills for a job or career, high school diplomas, college degrees, and transfer pathways. Apply online or visit the Western Piedmont Campus to apply in person.