Council for Opportunity in Education Honors CEOP Director Ngondi Kamatuka


LAWRENCE — The Council for Opportunity in Education this fall honored Ngondi Kamatuka, director of the Center for Educational Opportunity Programs (CEOP) in KU’s Achievement & Assessment Institute, with the Walter O. Mason Award.

Kamatuka was one of three Mason Award recipients recognized this year at the COE 34th annual conference in Atlanta. Established by the council in 1988, the Walter O. Mason Jr. Award honors outstanding educational opportunity professionals who exemplify Walter Mason’s sense of leadership and ideals. Mason first worked with federal TRIO Programs as a senior program officer with the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare in Dallas.

“I am deeply honored by this recognition, which by extension honors my wonderful KU colleagues,” Kamatuka said. “Walter Mason was a giant in our field, and it was largely through his vision that administrators, counselors and teachers in TRIO programs came together to form regional associations. His life was marked by wisdom, compassion and love for all things good and just.”

Kamatuka has served KU in many capacities since 1987. In addition to serving as CEOP director, he has taught at the KU for 15 years and served as the interim director of the Institute for Educational Research and Public Service. He actively engages in the global community, serving on several local and national boards while advising European universities on college access and success. He has held the title of president of MO-KAN-NE, president of MAEOPP and chair of the Council for Opportunity in Education Board of Directors. His leadership has extended abroad by way of many conference presentations and mentorships with international education entities and organizations.

During his career, he has helped KU secure more than $70 million in external funding. He is the recipient of many awards and honors including the KU Unclassified Employee of the Year, the KU School of Education Achievement Award for Professional Staff and the KU Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa Outstanding Educator.

About the Council for Opportunity in Education

The Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) is a nonprofit organization, established in 1981, dedicated to furthering the expansion of college opportunities for low-income, first-generation students, veterans and students with disabilities in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Palau, Guam and Puerto Rico. Its membership includes more than 1,000 colleges and agencies. Through its numerous membership services, the Council works in conjunction with colleges, universities and agencies that host TRIO programs to specifically help low-income students enter college and graduate. Approximately 790,000 low-income students and students with disabilities each year receive college access and retention services through COE member colleges and agencies.