Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Mary Ann E. Nelson, Ph.D., to the Board of the Perpich Center for Arts Education.

Nelson, of Minneapolis, is an education consultant and an instructor in education leadership courses at Capella University. She has 31 years of experience in education – 25 of which are in education administration – including serving as assistant commissioner for academic excellence with the Minnesota Department of Education, superintendent of the Fridley Public Schools, and assistant superintendent for instruction with the St. Louis Park Public Schools. Nelson earned her doctorate degree in education administration from the University of Minnesota, her master of science degree in education administration from Mankato State University, her bachelor of science degree from the University of Minnesota, and her associate of arts degree from Mesabi State Junior College in Virginia.

Nelson is a senior examiner with the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award Program, a judge with the Minnesota Council for Quality, is a member of the Minneapolis Rotary, Tyrone Guthrie Circle, Minneapolis Institute of Fine Arts, Walker Art Center, and Hennepin Theater Trust. Nelson’s research on school board-superintendent relationships has earned her the Minnesota Association of School Administrators’ 2010 Scholar Award. Nelson replaces Kaimay Terry on the Board of the Perpich Center for Arts Education as an at-large member, and is appointed to complete a four-year term that expires on January 2, 2012.

The Perpich Center for Arts Education, located in Golden Valley, is home to the Arts High School and serves 11th and 12th grade students who come from throughout Minnesota. The Center includes the Research, Assessment, and Curriculum Center; the Professional Development Institute, and the Learning Resource Center, all serving teachers and schools across the entire State of Minnesota. The Center is governed by a board of 15 members appointed by the Governor.