Building on the university's vision of being a student-ready institution, the Money Management Center (MMC) transitioned in Fall 2025 to report to the Student Success Center under the Division of Academic Affairs and Provost. Previously, the MMC was jointly housed within the Cashier's Office and the Financial Aid Office at East Texas A&M University. This transition broadens the integration of financial support across campus, recognizing financial well-being as an important contributor to student retention and academic success. 

“If we want students to succeed and graduate, we have to pay attention to the many realities they're navigating,” said Niki Pettit, director of the MMC. “Now that we are under the same umbrella as the other Student Success Center units, we can better meet students at that intersection of life and learning, and then ensure they feel empowered and supported.”

The Money Management Center is steadily making an impact on student success by providing personalized coaching and programs that build lifelong money skills, including budgeting, understanding college finances, and managing unexpected expenses.

Meeting Students Where They Are

By more firmly embedding the Money Management Center within the Student Success Center, students can seamlessly access money coaching alongside academic advising, tutoring, career support, and other services. This move creates a more unified student experience while strengthening staff collaboration through shared systems, improved referrals, and streamlined communication.

Christina Yoakum, the Money Management Center assistant director, emphasized the importance of students utilizing their resources:

“Financial stress shouldn’t stand in the way of a degree. The Money Management Center team is here to help students tackle registration balances, find scholarships, and start saving for the future. We offer confidential, one-on-one support in an encouraging environment where no question is too small.”

A Student-Centered Approach That Makes a Difference

Students who have engaged with the Money Management Center know the link between financial strain and academic focus and recognize how on-campus support can help.

Ja’Myia Toney, a public health major and Honors College student, shared her money management experience:

“I honestly didn’t realize how much stress money was causing me until I talked to someone at the MMC. They helped me find and apply for a scholarship, understand how financial aid works, and we talked through ways to get my balance down so I could focus on school instead of worrying.”

As the Money Management Center continues growing within the Student Success Center, its impact can reach more students, helping them build financial confidence and stay on track with their academic goals.

Supporting a Thriving Campus

The move into Academic Affairs highlights East Texas A&M's commitment to addressing the holistic student experience. Financial literacy and stability are key factors in whether students persist through challenges and reach the finish line.

“Student success is about the whole student,” said Dr. Ryan Erck, assistant vice provost for student success. “The Money Management Center helps address a critical part of the student journey, and that work is closely aligned with our academic mission and goals around retention. When students feel more certain about their financial situation, they can stay focused on why they came to ETAMU in the first place, to learn, grow, and ultimately graduate.”

Students can visit the Money Management Center to schedule a one‑on‑one appointment and take the next step toward financial confidence.