John LaBrie, dean of Northeastern University College of Professional Studies, received the Leadership Award earlier this week from the Association for Continuing Higher Education. It is the organization’s highest award.

LaBrie was recognized at the ACHE 74th Annual Conference and Meeting, held in Austin, Texas, on Nov. 12-14. The Leadership Award recognizes “an individual who has made extraordinary contributions in leadership, theory, and practice in continuing higher education on a national or international level.” As stated in its mission, ACHE is “dedicated to promoting lifelong learning and excellence in continuing higher education.”

In recognizing LaBrie, the association noted that he has dedicated his career to serving working adults who are seeking higher-education opportunities. The association credited LaBrie’s innovative and progressive approach to distance learning that has resulted in improvements in the capabilities of programs as well as curriculum quality at the College of Professional Studies.

He was also recognized for his leadership on the college’s international expansion — including partnerships with institutions in China, Turkey, Hong Kong and Singapore — and his role in Northeastern’s national expansion through its graduate campus initiative. LaBrie worked with academic and administrative colleagues across the university to launch graduate campuses in Charlotte, N.C., and Seattle.

“It is an honor to receive this award from an organization dedicated to lifelong learning and excellence in continuing higher education,” LaBrie said. “As education evolves, it is important to continue to enrich the student learning experience so that students are equipped with the educational tools they need to stay competitive in the workplace.”

The College of Professional Studies was also recognized with two other awards at the annual meeting: the Crystal Marketing Award for the College of Professional Studies Spring 2012 Graduation live streaming and associated digital media outreach; and a Program Award for Outstanding Services to Underserved Populations for Northeastern’s innovative first-year college program, Foundation Year.