Head of the Class:
MHS Principal Robert Nixon

Robert Nixon didn’t plan on becoming an educator. Fresh out of high school with stellar grades and clear ambitions, he set his sights on physical therapy, enrolling as a pre-med major with his future seemingly mapped out. But life had other plans.

“I entered education through a fairly nontraditional path,” Nixon reflects. “However, as I gained new experiences, my interests evolved. Those experiences ultimately led me to education, and I have never looked back.”

Now, as the newly appointed principal of Millburn High School (MHS), Nixon is channeling that same adaptability and enthusiasm. “One of the most compelling aspects of working in schools is the energy within a school community,” he says. “The passion teachers bring to their work and the enthusiasm students show every day create an environment that I genuinely enjoy and find deeply motivating.”

The Collaborative Approach

Nixon describes his leadership philosophy as being “supportive, collaborative, and progressive.” He’s focused on anticipating what comes next and identifying what best prepares students to be ready for the future.

“Teachers and administrators are experts in their fields, and I believe strongly in leaning into that expertise to develop innovative ideas and effective programming,” he explains.

During the district’s rigorous interview process, Nixon met teachers, administrators, and community members who left a lasting impression. “I was struck not only by how knowledgeable everyone was, but also by how deeply they cared about student success,” he recalls.

The high school’s sustained excellence across academics, athletics, arts, and community service also had an important impact. “While strong academic achievement is the cornerstone, I was equally impressed by the exceptional work students do beyond the classroom, whether in athletics, the arts, or community service,” he says. “Students’ talent and commitment to excellence truly stood out.”

More Than Test Scores

Nixon comes to MHS with an impressive track record. At Governor Livingston High School in Berkeley Heights, he led improvements across SAT scores, AP results, and state assessments while developing targeted intervention programs for struggling learners.

Ask him about the secret to his success, and he won’t point to a single program. “Success came from collaborative efforts to identify creative and targeted ways to provide additional support for students who needed it most,” he says. “Equally important is the ongoing evaluation of those supports and making adjustments as needed. This type of work depends on strong professional relationships and a shared vision for continuous improvement.”

Nixon’s career path reads like a choose-your-own-adventure story: teacher, athletic director, principal, and nearly every administrative role up to superintendent. “It is the cumulative impact of all these experiences that most informs my leadership, as it provides a well-rounded perspective,” he notes. “That said, I truly enjoy serving as a high school principal. There is a unique energy within a high school, and it is easy to feel inspired and motivated by the many positive things happening each day.”

The Wellness Warrior

Nixon tackles one of education’s biggest challenges head-on by balancing academic excellence with student mental health. “This is one of the most significant challenges facing school leaders today and an area I have prioritized for many years,” he shares. In his previous district, he helped develop a wellness center that provides intensive mental health support.

“Too often, the focus is placed solely on academic performance,” he says. “In my experience, however, students must also develop skills that help them navigate challenges and succeed beyond the classroom. Supporting diverse programming that addresses students’ social and emotional well-being is essential to helping all students thrive.”

For Nixon, inclusive excellence starts at 7:45 a.m. “Every student should feel welcomed and supported,” he says. “That is why I begin each day near the main entrance, making a point to be among the first to greet students as they arrive.”

He also makes an effort to meet students in their digital spaces, launching @millburnhsprincipal on Instagram “to highlight accomplishments and share important information.”

Tomorrow Starts Today

Nixon’s vision for MHS balances tradition with innovation. “Millburn benefits from an exceptionally talented and knowledgeable community,” he says. “My role is to learn from those who understand the school’s rich history while creating systems that empower individuals to bring forward new ideas. The focus is not on change for the sake of change but on enhancing what already works. Moving forward, education must emphasize the development of essential skills such as communication, perseverance, and collaboration to prepare students for long-term success.”

Nixon sees value in expanding partnerships with community organizations, higher-education institutions, and industry leaders. “I have seen students benefit greatly from local internships and job-shadowing experiences,” he notes, drawing on his work with college admissions counselors to better understand what students need for postsecondary success.

Creating a culture where teachers feel safe to innovate is also a priority. “Throughout my career as a principal, I have valued that teachers felt comfortable inviting me into their classrooms when trying new approaches,” Nixon says. “I want to continue fostering a culture where educators feel safe to innovate and take thoughtful risks in pursuit of excellent instruction.”

For Nixon, the journey from pre-med to principal may have been unexpected, but at MHS, he’s exactly where he needs to be—standing at the entrance every morning, ready to greet 1,300 students with 1,300 different dreams.

Photo courtesy of Terri Hecht