Written by Zeryn Macklin.

This December, the Finance Division says a heartfelt goodbye to Maria Brown, Director of the University Cashier’s Office (UCO), as she retires after 24 years of dedicated service to NC State. Her career was defined by digital innovation and a firm commitment to student success and financial wellness across the university.

Maria first joined the University in 2001 as an accountant in the University Controller’s Office, where she worked until 2004. At that point, she accepted a position with the UCO, where she spent the next two decades shaping the office into a framework for efficiency and service. Maria’s tenure was defined by innovative initiatives that streamlined the student experience and strengthened the financial infrastructure for student payments and billing processes. She oversaw the successful implementation of the QuikPay online payment system along with the monthly payment plan, dramatically easing the payment process for students and parents while reducing the need for in-person payments.

Another effort she led was the digitization of student tax forms by making 1098-T documents electronically available in MyPack Portal. This transition resulted in a surge of efficiency, drastically reducing the volume of paper mailings to thousands of students each year. Lastly, Maria played a crucial role in the creation and implementation of the campus-wide Student Information System (SIS), which helped establish the foundational structure used today to manage all student accounts and billing data.

Maria’s leadership skills allowed her to cultivate deep relationships that fostered a strong, committed unit. This dedication is evident with nearly half the staff having served the unit for over a decade. Her commitment to developing future talent also created opportunities for young professionals seeking early career experience. Maria has been instrumental in hiring student workers, providing guidance and professional experience to students who supported the office during busy billing seasons. 

Maria’s remarkable 24-year legacy has done more than just ensure a smooth transition—it has paved a vibrant path forward for the UCO! Alexis Levenson, who joined the UCO earlier this year as associate director, will lead the unit in its ongoing drive to support the university community. 

Maria’s optimism and encouragement have been a source of strength for the entire Finance Division. We are incredibly thankful for her years of service and wish her a fantastic retirement. Please join us in wishing Maria a wonderful time and exciting adventures in her new chapter!