It is with sincere appreciation and reverence that I write today to share that David Hawkins, one of the most enduring and influential leaders in our association’s history, will step down from his role at the end of this year.
David’s contributions to NACAC and our profession are immeasurable. For more than 25 years, he’s been a steadfast champion for college access, the strategic mind behind our policy and advocacy work, and a mentor to countless professionals across the country.
David joined NACAC in 2000 as the director of government relations directly from the Clinton administration, bringing with him a deep understanding of federal policy and an unwavering belief in the power of education to transform lives. From his earliest days, it was clear he would play a central role in guiding NACAC’s voice on the national stage. Since then, he has held multiple leadership roles, culminating in his appointment as chief education and policy officer in 2021.
Under David’s guidance, NACAC navigated some of the most challenging years in the history of our profession. He led our efforts to fight injustice, respond to shifting legal landscapes, and elevate the voices of admission and counseling professionals. From testifying in Senate hearings to guiding amicus briefs submitted to the U.S. Supreme Court to working directly with congressional leaders and federal agencies, David exemplifies advocacy. His work always ensures the needs of students and those who serve them remain at the center of national policy conversations.
Former NACAC CEO Joyce E. Smith, who hired David, shared her gratitude for his years of trusted leadership and service, saying “In his own unassuming way, David always brought educational partners together to join forces in advocacy efforts. He was always an active listener open to differing viewpoints. He knew how to ease overwhelming policy discussions. I am forever grateful to David for his caring service to students and NACAC members.”
David’s contributions extend far beyond advocacy. He was the mastermind behind NACAC’s research portfolio, overhauling our approach to data and analysis and inaugurating the State of College Admission report — a resource widely respected by members, academia, and the media. He oversaw NACAC’s professional development programs, strengthening the tools and training available to our members. He played a critical role in shaping the association’s approach to equity and inclusion to ensure NACAC’s values are reflected in our programming and policy agenda. David advised several presidential administration efforts, including the Obama and Biden transition committees, the Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance, and the National Center for Education Statistics. He also served on the 2010 Program Integrity Negotiated Rulemaking Committee.
One of David’s most enduring legacies will be his vision for innovation. He is the architect of various NACAC initiatives, including the Roadmap for Change and Toward a More Equitable Future for Postsecondary Access. Thanks to his extraordinary relationship building and tireless effort, we launched philanthropic initiatives and the Center for Innovation in College Admission, an endeavor he long dreamed of and brought to fruition to help reimagine the future of college admission counseling.
This year, the NACAC Board of Directors is proud to honor David with the Joyce E. Smith Excellence in Postsecondary Access Award, NACAC’s highest recognition for distinguished service to students and to the profession. It will be awarded during Saturday’s main stage session at NACAC Conference 2025 in Columbus—a fitting tribute to a career defined by impact, leadership, and purpose.
On a personal note, I will miss David deeply. Beyond his public accomplishments, David is a trusted colleague, confidant, and friend. His wisdom, empathy, and integrity inspire me each day. He was a calm and steady voice through times of great uncertainty, and one of the most principled leaders I’ve ever worked with. I am a firm believer that your legacy in life is not measured by how much work you’ve done, but by how many lives you’ve touched. By that standard, David’s influence will be felt for generations to come.
If you are attending NACAC Conference 2025, we invite you to attend the Annual Membership Meeting at 8 a.m. on Saturday, September 20, to share gratitude or a favorite David anecdote. If you cannot join us in Columbus, you are welcome to send messages to ceo@nacacnet.org. We will collect and share them with David.
Please join me in expressing our deepest gratitude to David for his extraordinary service to NACAC, to our members, and to the students we all strive to serve.
Sincerely,
Angel B. Pérez, PhD
Chief Executive Officer
National Association for College Admission Counseling