August 7, 2019— Dr. Abdullah Al-Bahrani has been appointed to the inaugural Kentucky Financial Empowerment Commission Board by Kentucky Treasurer Allison Ball. Dr. Al-Bahrani, along with four others, will focus on increasing financial empowerment and wellbeing across the Commonwealth.
The Financial Empowerment Commission is an innovative method of addressing an important problem facing the Commonwealth and is tasked with developing and implementing plans to improve the financial literacy of all Kentuckians. The Commission will operate without use of taxpayer dollars because of a partnership Treasurer Ball reached with Kentucky credit unions. Dr. Al-Bahrani’s appointment follows a new law giving the State Treasurer authority to designate members to the statewide board.
“I am proud of the selections I have made for the Financial Empowerment Commission Board,” said Treasurer Ball. “These appointees are highly qualified and each bring a unique perspective to the Financial Empowerment Commission. I look forward to leading the efforts of the entire Board as we work to increase financial empowerment across the Commonwealth.”
Dr. Al-Bahrani is the Director of the Center for Economic Education (CEE) and an Associate Professor of Economics in the Haile/US Bank College of Business at NKU. His focus on economic education has earned him the Award for Excellence in Teaching and Instruction and the Dean’s Citation for Outstanding Teaching. Dr. Al-Bahrani’s work focuses on finding solutions by identifying the reasons behind the financial wealth gap and analyzing financial literacy education programs to help close the gap.
“Kentucky has made a commitment to increase the financial well-being of its citizens,” said Dr. Al-Bahrani. “The creation of the board reflects the important role education will play in preparing Kentuckians for their financial futures.”
Treasurer Ball launched HB 132 in 2018, requiring a financial literacy course or program for high school graduation. Dr. Al-Bahrani and CEE created an Economics and Financial Literacy Education Micro-Credential to address the new standard. CEE’s micro-credential provides educators with the content and methods required to teach economics and personal finance to K-12 students. The micro-credential also allows high school students to earn college credits and meet the mandate. NKU is the only university in Kentucky offering this education.
For information about participating in the Economics and Financial Literacy Education Micro-Credential, please call (859) 572-5799 or visit its website.
About the Center for Economic Education (CEE): The CEE promotes financial literacy and economic education through direct training and partnerships with teachers at all levels (K-16). By providing educators with the resources and curriculum, the center helps bridge the gap of professional development and supporting Kentucky teachers.
About the Haile/US Bank College of Business (COB): With more than 2,000 students, the College of Business’ goal is to educate and connect with the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati business community by delivering globally relevant, innovative and sustainable programs and practices. The college offers 12 undergraduate degrees and three masters level programs. For more information, visit its website.
About NKU: Founded in 1968, we are a growing metropolitan university of more than 14,000 students served by more than 2,000 faculty and staff on a thriving suburban campus near Cincinnati. Located in the quiet suburb of Highland Heights, Kentucky—just seven miles southeast of Cincinnati—we have become a leader in Greater Cincinnati and Kentucky by providing a private school education for a fraction of the cost. While we are one of the fastest growing universities in Kentucky, our professors still know our students' names. For more information, visit nku.edu.
