TALLADEGA, AL – [September 11, 2025] – Talladega College proudly announces the appointment of Akua Johnson Matherson as its new Vice President of Finance. With more than 25 years of experience in strategic visioning and planning, finance strategy and analysis, enrollment management, executive coaching, leadership, and economic development, Ms. Matherson brings a proven record of innovation, growth, and coalition building to the College.
Ms. Matherson has served as a Chief Financial Officer and senior financial management executive within higher education and select non-profits, consistently demonstrating her ability to build teams, streamline processes, and make financial and enrollment decisions that drive meaningful progress. She is also an expert in change management, known for cultivating partnerships with both internal and external stakeholders to increase collaboration and economic development.
As CFO of a mid-sized public HBCU, Ms. Matherson spearheaded the institution’s first New Market Tax Credit (NMTC) initiative, linking health equity research with expanded outreach to underserved rural communities in eastern North Carolina. She also led the development of the university’s first public-private partnership (P3), which added more than 2,000 new and replacement student beds, retail, and community spaces, all while keeping the transaction off the institution’s balance sheet. Additionally, she transformed the university’s food environment from a desert into an oasis by bringing twelve branded dining concepts to campus—benefiting students and the surrounding community alike.
In a prior role as Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management, she achieved the largest enrollment designation at an HBCU, a record that still stands. Her work included creating executive dashboards for senior leadership, aligning tuition and fees with programming needs, and refining institutional pricing strategies to support sustainable growth.
Ms. Matherson holds both a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Logistics and a Master of Education with a concentration in Adult Education from North Carolina A&T State University. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., The Pink Cupcake, Inc., and The National Drifters, Inc. She also serves as a consultant for The Beloved Community Center of Greensboro, is a former Vice Chair of the Downtown Durham Incorporated board, and an advisor for the Blue and Gold Marching Machine of NCA&T.
Talladega College President Dr. Willie L. Todd, Jr. expressed enthusiasm for Ms. Matherson’s appointment, stating:
“Ms. Matherson is a transformational leader whose expertise in finance, enrollment management, and coalition building will have a profound impact on Talladega College. Her innovative spirit and proven ability to drive meaningful growth align perfectly with our mission and vision. We are thrilled to welcome her to our leadership team and look forward to the tremendous contributions she will make to our College’s future.”
