Checks Out, Cards In: Payment Innovation Across the Higher Education Ecosystem
Tracks
Business And Financial Services
| Tuesday, January 13, 2026 |
| 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM |
| Junior 1 |
Overview
Junior Ballroom 1
Details
Higher education institutions are rethinking how money moves. This session explores how prepaid cards and other digital payment tools are replacing checks across campus—from student stipends and athletic per diems to research disbursements and even housing refunds. Learn how these solutions reduce fraud, streamline operations, and eliminate outdated practices and pain points that accompany them. We’ll share trends, best practices, and real-world use cases to help modernize your institution’s payment strategy.
Speaker
Malisa Day
Senior Vice President
U.S. Bank
Checks Out, Cards In: Payment Innovation Across the Higher Education Ecosystem
Biography
Malisa is a Senior Vice President at U.S. Bank , with over 35 years of experience in government banking, particularly in treasury management. Over the years, she has honed her skills and earned the Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) designation, which stands as a testament to her dedication and proficiency in this field. In addition to her CTP designation, she is also a Process Engineer Black Belt, which has equipped her with the ability to streamline processes and enhance efficiencies. As a Relationship Manager she specializes in municipalities and higher education clients, providing them with tailored banking solutions that not only meet but exceed their expectations. Malisa holds a BA from California State University , Fullerton. Malisa has a philanthropic heart and gives back to the community by sitting on boards for Habitat for Humanity, 5 Acres , U.S. Bank Women’s Network and Volunteer Network.
Mike Watercott
VP, Working Capital Consultant
U.S. Bank
Checks Out, Cards In: Payment Innovation Across the Higher Education Ecosystem.
Abstract
Higher education institutions are rethinking how money moves. This session explores how prepaid cards and other digital payment tools are replacing checks across campus—from student stipends and athletic per diems to research disbursements and even housing refunds. Learn how these solutions reduce fraud, streamline operations, and eliminate outdated practices and pain points that accompany them. We’ll share trends, best practices, and real-world use cases to help modernize your institution’s payment strategy.
Biography
Mike is a Vice President within Working Capital Consulting at U.S. Bank, with over 19 years’ experience in treasury management. He is focused on documenting client end-to-end processes to identify opportunities to mitigate risk, optimize efficiencies, enhance visibility, and increase payments control. Based in Minneapolis, Mike holds a BA from Winona State University and is a Certified Treasury Professional (CTP).