The Coalition of Higher Education Assistance Organizations (COHEAO) began as a trade association of six companies involved in the billing and collection of student loans on January 22, 1981. The organization has since grown to become a partnership of approximately 350 educational institutions and commercial firms. Today, COHEAO has a common purpose and perpetual goal of fostering access to postsecondary education. COHEAO pursues this goal by lobbying on behalf of its members and by keeping them informed about legislative and regulatory activities related to Title IV aid and other educational issues. As a result of its efforts and activities, the organization now has assumed a position of national prominence.

Any large, notable organization is likely to have experienced many ups and downs on its journey to stature. COHEAO is no exception. The following is an attempt to chronicle some of the people and events that helped make COHEAO the great organization that it is today.

The Foundation

The success of any great organization lies in the strength, dedication and will of its founders. For COHEAO, it began with the vision of a handful of people filled with pride and steadfast determination. The chemistry of this original group would eventually lead to impressive growth and success.

A number of businessmen were the men behind the initial vision. Their careers were very much involved with the collection of defaulted Perkins Loans. Through their business activities, they perceived that a significant service could be provided to schools if default rates would be lowered, consequently allowing more money to fund education. They also believed that their idea of coalescing support and unity around this theme was a "win-win" opportunity for schools, students, government and their own organizations. These men recognized that they needed help: they needed money, people, and an organization to back them up. Soon other key people in the industry were motivated to join their endeavor. This group of dedicated individuals formed a small committee of commercial firms. With accompanying financial support, the committee was able to focus on the factor that brought it together: educating legislators and their aides, lobbying Senators and Congressmen, and monitoring legislation.

COHEAO was different from other related trade associations such as the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) and the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) because it focused primarily on the Perkins Loan Program. The group knew it was important to become involved with the process before the program became bound and structured without their input. The sooner COHEAO would be able to bring an idea to Congress, the sooner the ideas would be adopted and would benefit students.

Early Elected Leadership

Terry Hanlon became the first president of COHEAO in 1981. His ability to organize and act as an ambassador kept the organization together, striving towards a common goal. Terry's continuous pursuit of expanding COHEAO led to the inclusion of colleges and universities in the organization. Because of his drive and leadership skills, Terry became a critical element in the chemistry that eventually made COHEAO as successful as it is today.

Burke Tracey and the Growth of COHEAO

Burke Tracey was arguably the most influential, highly motivated, and prominent figure contributing to the formation of COHEAO as a successful organization. He was named the first executive director of COHEAO in 1981. Stated simply, without his efforts, COHEAO would not exist today. His determination and strong will insured the organization's growth at a critical point in its infancy.

"FIDM has been a COHEAO member since 1986. As an educator I have found the organization to be both dynamic and proactive in addressing the needs and concerns of those of us in the higher education community." - Tonian Hohberg, President, The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising

With growth came increased credibility. Representatives of the academic community began to join COHEAO and the number of members grew to 60 by 1984. The decision to recruit schools for membership in the organization was made with the intent of enhancing the credibility of the organization's platform and positions. The University of California system, one of the first institutional members, gave a tremendous boost to the organization. By joining forces under one organization, commercial and institutional members provided diversity in support of critical issues brought to the attention of legislators and regulators. Today, institutions represent two-thirds of the membership. Though representing a smaller segment of the membership, commercial members provide more than two-thirds of the financial support for the organization. These members are all bound by one common thread: expertise in the management of all student aid programs.

Looking Forward

COHEAO's membership has reason to be proud of the organization's past achievements as well as its current stature in the education community. COHEAO leadership continues to emphasize growth and is more committed than ever in seeking implementation of changes in law that will lead to "more education for more people."
To that end, COHEAO will continue to have a presence in Washington and will play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of higher education in the United States.

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