Nye earned his bachelor’s degree in education and public policy (EPP) from Penn State in 2010, and went on to the University of Pittsburgh, where he completed a master’s degree in education. While in graduate school, he worked as a museum educator and exhibit program manager at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh.
“I oversaw a new exhibit called MAKESHOP, the first museum-based maker space for children and families in the United States,” Nye said. “It was interesting to explore what it means to do maker activities with children in a museum setting. That shifted my career focus.”
In 2013, Nye moved to Texas to become associate director of education at Austin Children’s Museum. He helped the museum through a rebranding initiative to focus more on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math) education. To reflect the changes, the museum was renamed The Thinkery. Throughout the transition, Nye developed EdExchange, which developed partnerships with local schools that included professional development focused on helping educators utilize informal learning experiences in their classrooms.
“After teachers completed our sessions, museum educators visited their classrooms to co-teach with them and help with implementation.,” Nye said. “This initiative piqued my interest in blending formal and informal education.”
In 2017, Nye returned to Pittsburgh for what he called his “dream job” as director of City as Our Campus at Winchester Thurston School. In this role, he assisted teachers in collaborating with the community, including museums and nonprofits.
This spring, Nye became assistant head of school for education and strategy, overseeing strategic planning and related initiatives, the academic program, and faculty support programs such as professional development, goal-setting, mentoring, retention and hiring.
Nye said Penn State’s EPP program gave him foundational knowledge that he has carried with him throughout his career.
“Specifically, the program helped me better understand the education system and its policies, and introduced me to passions I wouldn’t otherwise be connected to,” he said.
Nye lives in Pittsburgh.