One of the most powerful moments of any conference are the keynote presentations. At our annual Northwest Council for Computer Education (NCCE) conference, we aim to select speakers who can convey a strong message that will bring ideas together, inspire reflection, and send educators back to their schools energized and ready to lead. At NCCE 26, we are proud to feature Dr. Thuan Nguyen, President and CEO of AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) as our closing keynote. Dr. Nguyen is a man whose life story and leadership embody the transformative power of education.
Dr. Nguyen’s keynote will close NCCE 26 with a message rooted in purpose, equity, and possibility — values that align deeply with NCCE’s commitment to supporting educators and students through innovation, technology, and inclusive practices.
A Leader Shaped by Public Education
Dr. Nguyen’s journey reflects the impact educators can have beyond the classroom. After immigrating to the United States from Vietnam as a child refugee, he credits public education and dedicated teachers with transforming his life and opening doors to opportunity. That experience continues to shape his leadership and his unwavering belief in education as a force for change.
With more than two decades of experience in education and educational technology, Dr. Nguyen has served in a wide range of leadership roles, including district-level executive positions focused on instructional technology, digital strategy, operations, and systems improvement. His background allows him to speak to both the human and technical dimensions of education — an essential perspective in today’s rapidly evolving learning environments.
NCCE has long recognized Dr. Nguyen’s significant contributions to education, having already honored him as Outstanding Technology Leader of the Year in 2015. We are confident Dr. Nguyen’s closing keynote for NCCE26 will shine as a not-to-be-missed highlight of the conference.
AVID: Preparing Students for College, Career, and Life
As President and CEO of AVID, Dr. Nguyen leads an organization dedicated to a clear and powerful mission: “clos[ing] the opportunity gap by preparing all students for college and career readiness and success in a global society.” AVID works with schools and districts to support students — particularly those historically underrepresented — through structured academic systems, educator professional learning, and a focus on high expectations and student agency.
Under Dr. Nguyen’s leadership, AVID has continued to expand its reach and deepen its support for educators. The organization partners with hundreds of schools nationwide, helping students develop the skills, confidence, and determination needed to succeed in rigorous coursework and future pathways.
AVID’s work aligns strongly with the themes of NCCE 26: equity, innovation, leadership, and the thoughtful integration of tools and strategies that support student success.
Why This Keynote Matters at NCCE 26
NCCE 26 brings together educators, leaders, and innovators who are navigating complex challenges: advancing technology integration, supporting diverse learners, and preparing students for an uncertain future. Dr. Nguyen’s closing keynote offers an opportunity to step back and reflect on the “why” behind this work.
Attendees can expect a message that:
- Centers students and educators as the heart of educational transformation
- Highlights the role of systems, access, and opportunity in shaping outcomes
- Reinforces the importance of belonging, belief, and high expectations
- Encourages educators to lead with both purpose and possibility
As the conference concludes, his perspective will help attendees connect new ideas and tools to the broader mission of education: ensuring every student has the chance to thrive.
A Meaningful Conclusion to an Inspiring Conference
NCCE 26 is designed to provide hands-on learning, collaboration, and forward-thinking strategies. Closing the conference with Dr. Thuan Nguyen underscores NCCE’s dedication to leadership that is inclusive, student-centered, and grounded in real-world impact. His keynote is sure to inspire educators to carry the learning, connections, and inspiration from NCCE 26 back to their schools and communities with renewed clarity and commitment.
Join us in Seattle as we celebrate the power of education, the importance of opportunity, and the educators who make transformation possible. To learn more about the conference or to register for NCCE26, visit our NCCE website today.