The College of Education and Human Development proudly announces Penny Sparks Nixon, superintendent of schools and chief executive officer of Universal Schools, as this year’s distinguished honoree for the prestigious Constance Clayton Urban Education Leadership Award. Selected by a committee of faculty, alumni, students and community partners, this distinguished honor recognizes leaders who embody excellence, innovation and an unwavering commitment to the advancement of urban education. 

“Dr. Penny Sparks Nixon is an experienced servant leader, educator, and academic administrator with a demonstrated history of influential work in urban schools, districts, and communities—an ideal choice for the 2025 Dr. Constance E. Clayton Urban Education Leadership Award,” said James Earl Davis, chair of the award committee.  

The Constance Clayton Urban Education Leadership Award celebrates the extraordinary contributions of Clayton, a trailblazer in urban education. This honor is bestowed annually upon an individual who demonstrates exceptional dedication to the advancement of urban education. Sparks Nixon’s outstanding leadership and impact exemplify the spirit of this award, making her a paragon recipient of the 2025 recognition. 

William R. Hite Jr., president and CEO of KnowledgeWorks Foundation and a mentee of Clayton, describes Sparks Nixon as a leader’s leader and attests to the alignment of the two pioneers, noting their discernible impact on future educators. 

“Like Dr. Clayton, who believed in and actively supported the development of strong teachers and leaders, the mentorship of Dr. Nixon is distinguishable and has become synonymous with transformation,” Hite Jr. said. “With a focus on the whole child, her advocacy and mentorship work to ensure teachers and leaders not only understand the complexities of urban schooling, but are also equipped with the tools to address them.” 

With over 30 years of experience as a public educator and leader, Sparks Nixon has dedicated her career to transforming urban schooling for students in Philadelphia and at the national level. Since 2013, she has served as superintendent of schools and chief executive officer of Universal Schools in Philadelphia, where she oversees the education of 4,300 students. Under her leadership, Universal Schools has demonstrated consistent academic growth in both English language arts and mathematics, reflecting her deep commitment to evidence-based instructional strategies and student achievement. 

Sparks Nixon’s advocacy for equitable resources and support for urban schools has made her a trusted voice in education. She is a mentor to emerging educational leaders and frequently shares her insights at national and international conferences, reinforcing her commitment to shaping the future of urban education. 

The college will recognize Sparks Nixon at the 2025 American Educational Research Association’s (AERA) annual meeting in Denver, Colorado this April. The reception will feature remarks from Kofi Lomotey, recipient of last year’s award. AERA is the world's largest gathering of education researchers and a showcase for groundbreaking, innovative studies across disciplines. 

Sparks Nixon’s contributions extend beyond education into community service. She has been recognized with a citation from the Council of the City of Philadelphia for her dedication to student success, named one of Philadelphia’s Most Influential African Americans by The Philadelphia Tribune and honored with the OIC Leon Sullivan Impact Award. She also recently completed her term as president of the Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a role once held by Clayton. 

A Pennsylvania-certified principal and superintendent, Sparks Nixon earned a bachelor of arts degree in journalism from Temple University, as well as a master of education in elementary education and a doctor of education in educational and organizational leadership from the University of Pennsylvania.  

The College of Education and Human Development and the award committee extend their enthusiastic congratulations to Sparks Nixon for her remarkable achievements and unwavering commitment to educational excellence.