North Carolina Central University (NCCU) will be represented on the national stage at the 2026 NASPA Conferences on Student Success in Higher Education (SSHE), taking place June 10-13, 2026, in Austin, Texas. Three university leaders have been selected to facilitate professional development sessions at the conference. They are Dekendrick Murray, executive director for Student Access and Success Programs within the Division of Student Affairs; Zack Underwood, Ed.D., dean of University College within the Division of Academic Affairs; and Jessie White, executive assistant to the dean of University College. The NASPA SSHE Conference integrates three key focus areas: Assessment, Planning, and Data Analytics ; Dismantling Systemic Barriers to Student Success ; and First-generation Student Success . These tracks provide a collaborative space for practitioners to explore data-informed strategies, share innovative practices and promote equity-centered approaches that enhance student outcomes.
Murray will facilitate two sessions, including a pre-conference workshop titled “Collective Power, Collective Outcomes: Advancing First-Gen Student Success at HBCUs,” which centers on collaborative and intentional proactive strategies to support first-generation students. He will also lead a breakout session entitled, “Do You Really Need a Seat at the Table? Creating Change in Student Success from All Vantage Points,” focused on empowering professionals and student leaders to drive meaningful change regardless of positional authority.
Underwood and White will co-facilitate a session on “Strategic Student Success Communication and Outreach,” which will highlight effective approaches to engaging students, strengthening institutional messaging and expanding the reach of student success initiatives.
The Department of Student Access and Success Programs supports the access, transition, retention and graduation of students who are first-generation and low-income, as well as students with disabilities.
University College promotes student learning and development by providing coordinated and centralized academic resources and support services that help freshmen and sophomore students define their educational and career goals.