CHARLESTON, WV—Edvantia, Inc. announces the new appointment of Dr. Carol Nixon as a senior research specialist in the Nashville, TN, office. She comes to Edvantia with 19 years of experience in education and mental health program management and evaluation, data analysis, and quality improvement. Most recently, Nixon served as director of special projects for Alignment Nashville and as managing and principal consultant for Evaluation Design. While at Alignment Nashville, she was responsible for managing and evaluating a National Science Foundation project, Art to STEM, to promote education in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) for seventh- to ninth-grade girls. Her work with Evaluation Design included such clients as the Mayor’s Office of Children and Youth (Nashville), Advocare/Magellan Health Services, STARS/Center for Youth Issues and Tennessee Voices for Children.

Nixon received her master's degree in industrial/organizational psychology from Middle Tennessee State University and her doctorate from Vanderbilt University in applied social psychology with a special emphasis in policy development and program evaluation. She is the recipient of the 2004 award for Innovation in Clinical Network Management from Magellan Behavioral Health Services and serves on the Board of Directors of the National Student Assistant Association.

In her work with Edvantia, Nixon will continue as evaluator of the Art to STEM project. She will also focus on building Edvantia’s portfolio of research projects relevant to the role of school climate and comprehensive student services in school and district improvement efforts.

About Edvantia: Edvantia is a nonprofit corporation, founded in 1966, that partners with education agencies, foundations, publishers, and service providers to apply expertise in research, evaluation, professional development, and technical assistance to help schools and students succeed. Specialty areas include district and school improvement, teacher quality, systems development and alignment, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), 21st century skills, and college access. Learn more at the Edvantia Web site or contact Dr. Kristine Chadwick (see above).