Shanan Chappell Moots

Dr. Shanan Chappell Moots is a Research Professor and Director of Research Analytics at The Center for Educational Partnerships within Old Dominion University's Darden College of Education & Professional Studies. She also holds a Research Fellow position with the National Dropout Prevention Center. Dr. Moots specializes in college and career readiness, dropout prevention, military-connected student wellness, and program evaluation.

Her educational background includes a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction (2009), M.Ed. in Elementary Education (2002), and B.A. in Communications (1991). She completed certifications as a Trauma-Skilled Schools Specialist (2019) and Dropout Prevention Specialist (2017) through the National Dropout Prevention Center.

Research interests focus on educational policy, STEM programming, teacher preparation, and military family dynamics. Notable projects include evaluations of STEM education initiatives, dropout recovery programs, and military-connected student support systems. Her work has been supported by grants totaling over $25 million from federal/state/local sources.

Dr. Moots has received prestigious awards including the Crystal Star Award (2015) for dropout prevention leadership and Old Dominion University's Largest Grant Award (2012). She has authored/co-authored over 20 peer-reviewed articles and regularly presents at national education research conferences.

Key initiatives include directing the Open Campus High School assessment, evaluating DoDEA military education grants, and leading the $25M PowerTeaching mathematics scale-up project. Current work emphasizes bridging research to practice through symposia and professional development efforts.