“I have observed that Jody is not afraid to ask tough questions and try new approaches,” shared Mary Carter, Ph.D. at Ball State University. “She reflects deeply on the impact of her program on the students and P-12 art teachers in the field.”
This is just one of many exclamations from Indiana art educators about Jody Nix, Assistant Professor and Program Director of Art Education and Pre-Art Therapy at the University of Saint Francis. Following the annual Art Educators Association of Indiana convention, Jody was presented with the 2018 Outstanding Overall Art Educator of Indiana Award. The convention, “Refining our skills, Reviving our spirit,” brought nearly 300 art educators to the USF campus and Fort Wayne community.
“Jody Nix is THE most dedicated, hardworking, creative, and innovative teacher I have ever met,” shared Patricia Cummings, AEAI awards chairman. “She truly deserves this award which is the highest honor that AEAI gives out each year. She was chosen from all the nominations from elementary, middle school, secondary, and higher education teachers in Indiana 2018 that were presented to the awards committee for judging.”
Jody holds a MALS in art education from Valparaiso University, and a B.A. degree in English from Indiana University and University of Dijon. She has won many honors for her work including Indiana 2011 Middle School Art Educator of the Year and 2011 Teacher of Excellence Award Northwest Indiana Region.
Outside of USF, Jody has exhibited her work in many venues including Art Prize in Grand Rapids Michigan. She has also been instrumental as the president of the non-profit camp All About Art at Valparaiso University for 18 years, as well as many other venues where Mrs. Nix has made a difference.
The Fort Wayne community has also interacted with Jody Nix through her work with the Jesters, a performing group sponsored by USF composed of individuals with mild to severe developmental disabilities. The Jesters has provided a key partnership for art therapy undergraduate students to instruct the Jesters Saturday art classes.
“My esteem for Jody grows each year as I work with her,” shared Colleen Huddleson, Dean of the School of Creative Arts. “No matter the task, her creative problem solving skills bring it to completion in the best manner possible. Jody has an innate ability to capture students’ attentions and promote their dreams which has been a great asset to the School of Creative Arts and has greatly contributed to the diversity and success of our student body.”