EasyTransfer was pleased to support the NACUBO 2026 Student Financial Services (SFS) Conference, held March 8–10 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The three-day conference brought together higher education executives, administrators, and student financial services professionals from across the United States to exchange insights and practical approaches to the evolving challenges in student financial services. EasyTransfer Partner Guohao Sun and Head of North America Operations Andy Benkis attended the event. 

The EasyTransfer booth attracted strong interest, fostering meaningful conversations with higher education professionals from across the U.S. and providing valuable opportunities to exchange perspectives on global student payments and better understand the evolving needs of universities and students.

A key focus of the conference was how student financial services teams can strengthen collaboration, improve operational effectiveness, and create more student-centered experiences. During an interactive community roundtable, Leigh Jackson, Bursar at the University of Cincinnati, Scott Salzman, Director of Student Financial Services and Accounts Receivable at Texas Christian University, and Robin Whitfield, Associate Vice President for Finance at Howard University, shared perspectives on challenges facing student financial services and exchanged practical approaches and solutions with peers. Barbara Ebert-Balzano, Senior Director of Student Financial Services at the University of Chicago, discussed strategies for building empowered and collaborative teams, including team learning, cross-functional collaboration, regular communication, and the effective use of technology to support staff engagement and student outcomes.

Communication and digital resources were another important theme. Kathy Kirrish, Project Manager, and Joseph Shroyer, Senior Director and University Bursar, both at the University of Illinois, shared practical approaches to improving communication with students and families through more effective email outreach, enhanced online resources, and clearer website navigation. Their discussion highlighted how cross-functional collaboration and thoughtful use of technology can make information easier for students to access while reducing frontline workload, particularly during peak periods.

Looking toward the future of student support, Jennifer Waters, Assistant Vice President for Administration and Finance and University Bursar at the University of Chicago, and Robin Whitfield, Associate Vice President for Finance at Howard University, discussed the evolution of financial literacy within student financial services. They highlighted the shift toward more holistic and student-centered approaches that incorporate technology, peer education, and targeted support, with a focus on financial wellness and measurable student success. Together, these discussions reflected the broader focus of the conference on connecting people, technology, and institutional practices to better support students.

NACUBO is a leading organization supporting business and financial professionals in higher education by providing industry resources and peer-learning opportunities for institutions. The SFS conference delivered meaningful perspectives on the evolving needs of students and university finance teams. As institutions continue to navigate increasingly complex student financial processes, EasyTransfer remains committed to supporting university partners and international students through secure, innovative, and data-driven payment solutions that streamline processes and help create a more seamless student experience.

About EasyTransfer

Founded by international students for international students, EasyTransfer is a leading global payment platform focused on simplifying cross-border tuition payments. The company processes over US$3.5 billion in payments annually to thousands of universities and education institutions worldwide, and is trusted by more than 800,000 students and families across 170+ countries. With backing from major banks and investors, strategic partnerships with global financial leaders such as Mastercard, Tencent, and EbixCash, and a relentless focus on student experience, EasyTransfer is redefining what it means to move money for education.

Learn more at: www.easytransferglobal.com

Media Contact: pr@easytransferglobal.com