Jody Finnegan Retires After 31 Years at ISU

After more than three decades of dedicated service to Idaho State University, Jody Finnegan is retiring with a legacy of leadership, student advocacy, and contributing to institutional excellence. A proud graduate of ISU, Jody earned her Bachelor of Arts in History in 1995 and immediately began a career devoted to supporting student success. Throughout her 30+ year tenure at ISU, she held a variety of increasingly responsible positions across campus.

Jody began her professional journey at ISU in the Career Center and Student Employment Office, where she supported information technology and helped connect students with employment opportunities. In 1998, she joined the College of Engineering as Student Services and Public Information Specialist, serving as an academic advisor to hundreds of engineering and computer science students while leading recruitment, outreach, assessment, and public relations efforts for the college.

In 2004, Jody transitioned to Financial Aid and Scholarships, where she directed the university's scholarship program, overseeing nearly $10 million in annual scholarship disbursements. She worked closely with donors, the ISU Foundation, faculty, staff, and students to expand scholarship opportunities and promote student recruitment and retention.

Since 2009, Jody has served as associate director of financial aid, providing leadership in the administration of federal, state, institutional, and private financial aid programs. She has played a key role in implementing and maintaining the university's Banner Financial Aid system, coordinating annual audits, ensuring compliance with complex federal regulations, and developing training programs for staff across campus. Throughout her career, she has been a trusted resource for students and families navigating the financial aid process and a respected collaborator among colleagues throughout the university.

Jody's commitment to ISU extended well beyond her formal responsibilities. She served on numerous university committees and search committees, presented on financial aid to students and community groups, and contributed to national professional conversations through presentations such as her 2016 Ellucian Live conference session on financial aid process automation. An active leader in professional and community organizations, Jody served as president and vice president of the ISU Council of Professional Employees, held multiple leadership roles within the ISU Women's Club, and has been a dedicated member and officer of P.E.O. Chapter AK. She also served as awards and scholarship coordinator for the ISU chapter of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and maintained active membership in state, regional, and national financial aid associations, including IASFAA, WASFAA, and NASFAA.

Throughout her career, Jody earned the respect and gratitude of those around her through her professionalism, integrity, and genuine care for others. Her contributions have left a lasting impact on ISU, and her presence will be greatly missed. As she begins this well-deserved retirement, we celebrate her remarkable career and wish her every happiness in the years ahead.

Please join us in celebrating Jody’s career and well-deserved retirement on Wednesday, June 17th, in the Pond Student Union Little Wood River Room, from 2pm – 4pm. Light refreshments will be served.