Author

Melody Schopp, PhDRSS
Director of Education Industry Consulting, SAS

Melody Schopp, PhD serves as the Director of Education Industry Consulting at the SAS Institute, supporting the Education Practice to empower education leaders and states to use analytics to improve student outcomes. Following two decades of classroom experience, Schopp entered the South Dakota Department of Education, where she served in numerous director positions, including deputy secretary. She was appointed Secretary of Education by Governor Dennis Daugaard in 2010 and served seven years as part of his cabinet.

Before joining SAS in 2020, Schopp spent three years as a national education consultant with various clients focused on improving academic and emotional opportunities for students. Schopp was privileged to serve in leadership positions for various national organizations. She was a board member and elected president of the Council of Chief State School Officers.

Additionally, she was treasurer of the Education Commission of the States and on the board of directors of Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG). Schopp has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in education, and a PhD from the University of Lincoln, Nebraska, in higher education and leadership.