NCCU Administration And Finance Leader Joins UNC System Executive Leadership Institute

DURHAM, NC – Akua Matherson, North Carolina Central University’s (NCCU) chief financial officer and vice chancellor for administration and finance, has been named to the fifth cohort of the University of North Carolina System’s Executive Leadership Institute (ELI). 

The 10-month program is designed to build the next generation of top leadership within the UNC System. It will provide an overview of the System’s operations and offer leadership development opportunities. 

Matherson, who joined NCCU in 2016, has served in various capacities during her tenure, including interim chief financial officer and vice chancellor for administration and finance, associate vice chancellor for administration and finance, and budget director. Under her leadership, the administration and finance division has undertaken six major capital projects, including the new NCCU Student Center, School of Business building, 24/7 Collaborative Learning and Research Center, and the university’s first P-3 project, consisting of three new residence halls. Additionally, she has been instrumental in re-engineering several business processes, including redesigning the chart of accounts. Matherson and her team also led the development and approval of the university’s new master plan. 

“I am honored to participate in the UNC System’s prestigious leadership program,” said Matherson. “The System is renowned for developing its leaders from within, and I am excited about the opportunities this program will provide.” 

Established in 2019, the ELI aims to develop a pipeline of well-prepared, highly qualified future leaders from all institutions in the UNC System. Since its inception, 100 participants have joined the program, and 29 have been promoted to leadership positions within the UNC System.  

“The UNC Executive Leadership Institute leverages the incredible expertise of our leadership, faculty, and staff across the UNC System,” said Lynn Duffy, senior associate vice president of leadership development and talent acquisition. “The institute is a key Systemwide initiative to drive talent retention, executive development, and succession planning.” 

“The Executive Leadership Institute is an important investment in the future,” said University of North Carolina System President Peter Hans. “We are blessed to have a large pool of brilliant and dedicated colleagues right here within the System, and it makes sense to nurture that talent, putting time and resources into developing those leaders.” 

Learning modules are designed to deepen expertise essential for success at the executive level. Five interactive and experiential immersion modules will be delivered via virtual and face-to-face instruction hybrid at UNC-Chapel Hill, North Carolina A&T State University, and UNC Charlotte. The team and individual executive coaching component will be provided in partnership with UNC Wilmington. 

Participants will receive a certificate and join the ELI alumni network upon completion. Graduates will be able to build relationships and professional networks with previous and future cohorts, ensuring promising talent continues to develop across the UNC System.

For more information, visit the Executive Leadership Institute website.