Northern Lehigh Superintendent Matthew J. Link, Ed. D. recently received the Cooperative Leadership Award by the Lehigh University School Study Council.

The award recognizes outstanding leadership within the National School Development Council or on its behalf, including exemplary efforts to establish cooperative relationships with other educational agencies or school study councils in creating programs for the nation’s schools.

“Dr. Link’s work shows a consistent ability to bring people together and to move education forward,” said LUSSC Director Brian Osborne. “At a time when education is tested by complex challenges, tight budgets, rising student needs, public scrutiny, and a rapidly changing world, he has met the moment and expanded what’s possible.”

As superintendent at Northern Lehigh, Link oversees all aspects of district operations, serving more than 1,500 students and managing a team of 250 educators and staff. His leadership style focuses on relationships, inspiring progress through trust and shared commitment. He also brings a regional perspective to his work, recognizing that educational success does not happen in isolation.

In his additional role as superintendent of record for the Lehigh Career and Technical Institute, Link connects the institute’s leadership with area school districts, helping ensure students have access to both academic excellence and career-ready skills.

“He is deeply invested in ensuring that every student is equipped — not just to graduate — but to thrive,” Osborne said. “His professional journey, from special education to curriculum development, assistant superintendent, and systems-level leader, reflects a clear through line: a belief in continuous improvement and a passion for service. He walks the walk when it comes to learning and consistently seeks to grow his own leadership.”

Link earned his Master of Education in special education, along with his supervisor certificate and superintendent letter of eligibility, from Lehigh University. He later completed his Doctor of Education at Vanderbilt University, where his capstone focused on enhancing the customer experience in public education through engagement and feedback. He is now pursuing a certificate in advanced education leadership at Harvard University, studying the cutting edge of research and practice.

A collaborator at heart, Link is active in Centennial School and the Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce, demonstrating his commitment to the community.

“He brings people together, aligning diverse voices around the shared purpose of bettering education for all,” Osborne said. “And he contributes meaningfully on the state and national stage.”

Link represents Lehigh County school districts on the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators’ Legislative Committee, where he advocates for public education and promotes policies that reflect real community needs. He also helps shape programs like LCTI’s expanding pathways to ensure alignment with traditional academic tracks.

Nationally, he has contributed to initiatives such as the Public School Districts’ Opioid Recovery Trust, reinforcing his dedication to community well-being. He has also advocated alongside members of Congress for funding the Community Eligibility Provision, helping ensure no student faces food insecurity.

“We recognize what Matt has done — and more importantly, how he’s done it — with the spirit of service and collaboration represented by this award,” Osborne said.

Link said it was especially meaningful coming from the Lehigh University School Study Council and being presented in the Lehigh College of Education at Iacocca Hall — a place that has been instrumental in preparing him for a role in educational leadership.

“There are so many outstanding educational leaders in the audience today, and I have learned so much from many of them,” Link said. “This is truly a humbling honor.”