Dedicated, innovative,
resourceful and dependable are just a few words that spring to mind when persons
are asked to describe University of the Virgin Islands Student Government
Association (SGA) President Kevin Dixon. Earlier this month, it became apparent
that people at UVI or in the Virgin Islands, for that matter, were not the only
ones who know of his stellar leadership abilities. Dixon was named a 2014
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) All-Star in February.
The
All-Star selection is part of a White House Initiative that recognizes
75 undergraduate, graduate and professional students for their accomplishments
in academics, leadership and civic engagement.
Dixon
was selected from 445 students currently enrolled at 62 HBCUs. Each student
submitted completed applications that included a transcript, resume, essay, and
recommendation.
“I
am humbled and honored to be selected as a White House Initiative on HBCUs 2014
All-Star student,” said Dixon, a senior majoring in business management and
business administration with a concentration in marketing on UVI’s Albert A. Sheen
Campus on St. Croix. “This is an opportunity and a distinction that I am
ecstatic to be a part of. I am privileged to be among students who continue to
excel and make a positive impact at their respective universities and their
broader communities.”
“Kevin
Dixon is phenomenal,” said Janelle Royer, SGA outreach coordinator on the
Albert A. Sheen Campus. “He is sincere, fair, and a dedicated worker. If he
makes a commitment to do something be assured that he will do all he can to
execute it well. Mr. Dixon is and I pray will continue to be, a valued asset to
society now and in the future. I am proud of him for he deserves to be named a
2014 HBCU All-Star.”
“As
the leader for the Student Government Association on St. Croix, Kevin ensures a
professional interaction with all on behalf of the SGA. He works on behalf of the
students in all that he does and he is an able, punctual and reliable
representative on many university committees,” said UVI Interim Provost Dr.
Camille Mckayle. “That others recognize what we have known for a long time is
no surprise. Kevin certainly is an ‘All-Star.’”
Over
the course of the next year, the HBCU All-Stars will serve as ambassadors of
the White House Initiative by providing outreach to and communication with
their fellow students about the value of education and the initiative as a
networking resource. Through social media and their relationships with
community-based organizations, the All-Stars will share promising and proven
practices that support opportunities for all young people to achieve their
educational and career potential.
In addition, the 45 female and 30 male
All-Stars will participate in regional events and web chats with Ivory Toldson,
deputy director of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges
and Universities, other initiative staff and professionals from a wide range of
disciplines. They will also have opportunities to engage with other scholars to
showcase individual and collective talent across the HBCU community.
“One
of my responsibilities as an ambassador is that, I am charged with promoting
the value of education,” said Dixon. This role ties in directly with my role as
the chairperson of the Shadow Our Students Committee.” The Shadow Our Students Program brings over
200 high school students each year to the UVI campus to show them the importance
of higher education. The students sample college life and are encouraged to start their own vision
of college achievement.
Dixon initiated the “Swagg” campaign - “Students
with a Greater Goal” and the “Plant the Seed” initiative. Through this project,
UVI students mentor fifth and sixth grade students in elementary schools on the
importance of a higher education. It is an initiative of “The Shadow Our
Students Program.” “I am truly excited to continue to promote the value
of education,” Dixon said.
Dixon is a Virgin
Islands Legislative Youth Advisory Council member, Thurgood Marshall College Fund
student ambassador, Honorary Degree Committee student representative, Virgin
Islands Youth Advocacy Coalition Board of Directors member, University Senate student
representative and a St. Croix Presidential Advisory Council student representative.
“Kevin takes his role as mentor and leader
seriously; using his considerable talents to bring out the best in those around
him; including his fellow UVI students and also our island’s younger students,”
said Patricia Towal, interim dean of students on the Albert A. Sheen Campus. “Dixon,
ever the gracious gentleman, brings enthusiasm, sparkling leadership and
determined diligence to every project to which he turns his attention. We are
thrilled to see his leadership recognized and rewarded by this honor.”
“I know President Dixon to be a man of great
integrity and uprightness. Because of this, his gifts will always take him to
great places,” said Joshua Edwards, UVI Board of Trustees student
representative. “He has the ability to stay on the top and make great changes.
This accomplishment is just another step to the greatness that his character
and leadership skills have afforded him.”
