Fox Master of Public Administration Program. Her research focuses on the role, capacity, and financial well-being of nonprofit organizations in the United States. Specifically, her work examines government contracts and grants from the nonprofit perspective as well as how nonprofits use data collected to enhance organizational performance. Prior to joining UNCC, Dr. Pettijohn worked as a research associate at the Center on Nonprofits and Philanthropy at the Urban Institute. Dr. Pettijohn earned her Ph.D. in Public Administration from American University in 2014. She holds an MPA and Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of Texas at Dallas (2008) and a BA in government from the University of Texas at Austin (2005).