Austin Community College District (ACC) is saddened to share the passing of Susan Dawson, a visionary leader whose determination, ingenuity, and commitment to students transformed education and strengthened communities across Central Texas.
Her most enduring connection to Austin Community College began in 2006, when she founded E3 Alliance to bring education, community, and workforce leaders together around a bold idea: use data and collaboration to build stronger pathways for students and a stronger future for Central Texas. ACC proudly partnered in that work from the beginning and continues to play an instrumental role in the organization.
Under Susan’s leadership, the E3 Alliance gained national recognition for its data-driven approach to systemic change. Susan and E3 Alliance helped dramatically increase the number of students preparing for STEM careers, refine readiness standards for kindergarten, improve school attendance, and expand access to advanced coursework and postsecondary success.
An engineer, entrepreneur, civic leader, and relentless advocate for students, Susan believed deeply in what people could accomplish when they worked together to solve difficult problems. She challenged institutions to think bigger, act on evidence, and never lose sight of the students and families behind the data.
She leaves an extraordinary legacy in Central Texas and at Austin Community College. Susan’s vision helped strengthen the connections between education and opportunity, and her work will continue to benefit students across our region for generations to come.
Contributed by ACC Human Resources