Paul Yovanoff completed a Ph.D. degree in educational psychology from the University of Oregon with an emphasis in psychometric theory, statistical decision analysis and behavioral research methods. Prior to receiving a doctorate, Professor Yovanoff was a special education teacher and received a master's degree in special education. He joined Simmons School of Education and Human Development in the Department of Teaching and Learning in August 2011. Professor Yovanoff's service to the university includes development of the Simmons Ph.D. program and the Master of Education in Special Education program, and serving on a range of departmental, school and university committees. He has remained active in the field as a professor of educational research and measurement methodologies, and co-principal investigator and methodologist on many externally funded research projects. In addition to numerous peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations, Professor Yovanoff consults routinely with government and research institutions. His research interests include psychometric modeling of assessments for special populations and specification of optimal cut-scores for classification decisions. He retires as professor emeritus of education.