HFC welcomes Arielle Pollard, who went from banking to higher ed

Release Date
Headshot of Arielle Pollard

After being laid off from the banking industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, HFC Accounting Associate – Collections Analyst Arielle Pollard knew she wanted to work in higher education.

“Higher ed is very important to me. Earning a degree is very important to me. I want to advocate for higher education as much as possible. I was told when I was young, ‘Get your degree, because no one can ever take that away from you,’” said Pollard. “I heard good things about HFC. I like the diversity here. I was already going to school when I started my job at HFC; otherwise else I would have studied at HFC as well.”

A career pivot

The middle of three children, Pollard was born in Detroit. She lives in Canton with her husband and their four children.

Pollard is a graduate of Juan Seguin High School in Arlington, TX. She is studying accounting and finance at Oakland Community College and will graduate in 2026. Afterward, she plans to transfer and continue her education at Wayne State University.

“I always loved accounting,” she said. “I worked at Chase Bank for 10 plus years. I was a banker, teller, manager on duty, and small business specialist. After getting laid off, I took a break from working, spent time with my children, and returned to college.”

Making sure students know people at HFC care

Pollard joined HFC in spring 2025. Her duties include:

  • Collecting funds owed to the College
  • Working closely with Enrollment Services
  • Assisting students past and present with past-due balances by setting up payment plans
  • Doing “whatever else they need me to do”

“Arielle Pollard is a very passionate person. It’s a pleasure working with her. She gives 110% in all that she does,” said HFC Bursar Sharon McAlpine.

Pollard plans to make a career at HFC.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to be here. I love the community here; it’s a very friendly environment,” she said. “I like cutting balances in half. I enjoy speaking with students daily and making a difference in their day, especially those who are experiencing hardship, financial or otherwise. We give them some grace and find ways to help them achieve their degrees. I want to make sure they know that someone here cares. They’re not just faceless numbers at the College.”