NCCU's Dawn Matthews Receives Visionary Leadership Award for Student Success

North Carolina Central University's (NCCU) Dawn Matthews, Ph.D., has been selected to receive EAB's 2026 Visionary Leadership Award for her leadership in transforming the student experience through strategic, technology-driven initiatives.

Presented as part of EAB's annual CONNECTED Awards, the honor recognizes higher education leaders who implement innovative solutions and use evidence-based practices to improve student outcomes.

Matthews, associate dean of academic planning and student success, was recognized for expanding NCCU's student support model, pioneering the use of Navigate360 AI and fostering campuswide collaboration to enhance institutional effectiveness.

The CONNECTED Awards celebrate colleges, universities and higher education leaders that use EAB's technology, resources and partnerships to strengthen the student experience and advance institutional priorities.

"Every year, the CONNECTED Awards recognize partners who are using technology, strategy and collaboration to create positive change for students," EAB said in announcing this year's recipients. "This year's winners represent the best of the EAB technology partner community, building stronger connections across campus, using data in more actionable ways and helping shape what's next in student success."

Matthews will be recognized during CONNECTED26, EAB's annual conference, Oct. 26-28 in Orlando, Florida.