Nichole Laven Joins Perpich Board of Directors

Nichole Laven

February 13, 2024

Perpich Center for Arts Education is pleased to welcome Nichole Laven as an ex officio member of the Board of Directors. Laven is Standards Implementation Manager in the Division of Academic Standards, Instruction, and Assessment for the Minnesota Department of Education. She is a versatile and accomplished person with a diverse educational leadership background, including roles in public and private education. She is known for her passion for educational leadership, innovation, teamwork, collaboration, and approaching problem-solving. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve on the Perpich Board of Directors!” said Laven. She replaces Bobbie Burnham on the Board, who served since 2021.

For several decades, Nichole has carved a path as an educator and leader in urban, suburban, and rural communities. Nichole comes highly credentialed, having earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Adaptive Education and a Master’s Degree with an emphasis on Portfolio Assessments. Furthering her education, Nichole pursued her Educational Administration K-12 Principal and Superintendent: Educational Leadership Licenses. She received the Minnesota Elementary School Principals Association (MESPA) Division Leadership award. Nichole’s leadership is evident on the numerous boards she has served on including: East Central Minnesota Educational Cable Cooperative (ECMECC) Co-Chair for Curriculum and Programming, Resource Training and Solutions Co-Chair for the Regional Curriculum Director and District Assessment Coordinators, and the Minnesota Elementary School Principal Association (MESPA) Board as President and President Elect.

Throughout her career, she has demonstrated exceptional skills in project management, strategic planning, finance, and team leadership. Driving for results while always keeping the students at the center of each decision is a priority. Nichole’s proven track record of driving growth and delivering results through removing barriers and setting a vision is evident.

Beyond her professional achievements, Nichole is deeply committed to giving back to her profession by spending time empowering, inspiring, and mentoring women entering into educational leadership roles. One of many past accomplishments that demonstrate Nichole’s internal commitment to developing women in leadership roles was delivering a presentation at the Women’s Symposium for St. Cloud State University.

In her free time, Nichole enjoys traveling to new places where the sun is present, spending time on the lake, scrapbooking, and listening to music. Her curiosity and drive for continuous learning fuel her personal drive and professional growth.

Laven’s role on the Perpich Board of Directors is as a designee of the Commissioner of Education. The addition was recommended by the Minnesota Office of the Legislative Auditor and authorized by the 2017 Education Omnibus Bill. The Board of Directors for Perpich Center for Arts Education manages the Perpich Center agency. The Board consists of 16 members, including the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Education or the Commissioner’s designee, and 15 members appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. At least one member must be appointed from each congressional district, and no member may serve for more than two consecutive terms.