The Coalition of Higher Education Assistance Organizations (COHEAO) Financial Wellness Task Force, under the leadership of Dr. Lottia Windham, has announced a comprehensive 2026–2027 strategic initiative designed to strengthen financial literacy, improve student financial outcomes, and shape the national dialogue around financial wellness in higher education.
The task force brings together a diverse group of professionals representing colleges, universities, and organizations across the country, reflecting a shared commitment to equipping students with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate an increasingly complex financial landscape.
“Financial literacy is no longer optional. It is essential to student success, persistence, and long-term well-being,” said Dr. Windham, Chair of the COHEAO Financial Wellness Task Force. “Our goal is to move beyond awareness and toward measurable impact by equipping institutions with the tools, frameworks, and strategies needed to support students effectively.”
Key Initiatives for 2026–2027
The COHEAO Financial Wellness Task Force will focus on several high-impact initiatives, including:
- National White Paper: A comprehensive report outlining current challenges, emerging trends, and scalable solutions in financial literacy across higher education.
- Financial Literacy Framework: Development of a standardized model to guide institutions in delivering consistent and effective financial wellness programming. This framework will include measurable success indicators that align with institutional goals and drive buy-in from key stakeholders and decision-makers.
- Legislative Advocacy: Engagement with policymakers in Washington, D.C. to promote transparency, accountability, and expanded support for student financial education.
- Micro-Credential Development: Exploration of a COHEAO-endorsed financial literacy badge to recognize student achievement and institutional commitment.
- NIL Financial Literacy Toolkit: Creation of resources to help institutions assess and strengthen financial education within Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) initiatives.
- Materials Review & Quality Assurance: Establishment of a process to ensure financial literacy content remains accurate, relevant, and aligned with current policies.
“Providing financial literacy is essential to helping young adults begin the transition into successful adulthood,” said Jodi Cataline, Task Force Committee Member and Academic Director at Lebow College of Business, Drexel University. “This can be achieved by increasing access to financial education through higher education curricula, whether in traditional classrooms or through engaging activities. The greatest concern I see among students is that many do not know where to begin, what to prioritize, or how to achieve their financial goals.”
The task force will study how third-party financial tools influence student decisions and look for ways to improve transparency, accountability, and student-focused outcomes. As federal policies continue to change, financial literacy is more important than ever for both students and institutions.
The group will also outline key areas of financial literacy, such as budgeting, borrowing, repayment, credit, investing, and long-term wealth building, to support a clearer, more consistent approach to financial education nationwide.
“Financial wellness has become one of the most critical issues facing higher education today,” said Karen Reddick, COHEAO President. “As institutions navigate rising costs, changing federal policies, and increasing financial pressures on students and families, it is essential that we provide students with practical tools and education to make informed financial decisions. COHEAO is proud to bring together leaders from across higher education to create meaningful strategies that support student success, improve financial literacy, and strengthen long-term financial well-being.”
The COHEAO Financial Wellness Task Force includes representatives from institutions and organizations across the country, including:
- Tony Bordeaux, University of Alabama
- Lottia Windham, Baylor University
- Maria Livolsi, State University of New York
- Sean Steinmarc, TFC Tuition
- Karen Reddick, National Credit Management
COHEAO invites institutions, professionals, and organizations committed to advancing financial wellness to join the Financial Wellness Task Force. This collaborative effort provides an opportunity to shape national strategy, share best practices, and drive meaningful impact for students across higher education.
If you’re interested, please reach out to Executive Director Donna Stelling-Gurnett at admin@coheao.org.
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About COHEAO
Since 1981, COHEAO has served as a partnership of colleges, universities, and organizations, dedicated to promoting student-friendly, efficiently operated campus-based loan and tuition payment programs. COHEAO leadership and staff regularly meet with higher education policymakers and provide member support through various task forces and programs, including an extensive financial literacy initiative. COHEAO offers professional development opportunities and subject matter experts to members to assist institutions and their students with successful outcomes.
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