Dixon named Dean of new School of Graduate Studies

Dr. Michael Dixon has been named Dean of the School of Graduate Studies at the University of Southern Indiana. The newly created School of Graduate Studies replaces the former Graduate Studies at USI and was created to elevate the profile of graduate education across the University. In recent years, the University has seen continued growth in all areas of graduate programs across all four of its colleges. These programs are meeting the needs and desires of recent graduates as well as those already in the workforce looking to enhance their career opportunities through new degrees and certificates.

As Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, Dixon will facilitate deeper coordination and collaboration between the newly formed School and the academic colleges. He previously served as Director of Graduate Studies since July 2020 and as Interim Director from 2019-20.

Dixon will continue to lead the strategic direction of graduate programs at the University, as well as administer and interpret graduate education policy. He will oversee the process of graduate admissions and the conferral of degrees, serve as Chair of the University Graduate Council and advocate for graduate education both on campus and in the community.

"Graduate Studies at USI has a strong record of success," said Dr. Mohammed Khayum, Provost. "The move to a School of Graduate Studies will help elevate this important area of the University and serve as a catalyst for continued growth in graduate programs across our four colleges. Dr. Dixon has been leading Graduate Studies since 2019, and I am confident that, as Dean, he will continue to foster collaboration and growth while continuing to produce exceptional graduate offerings that meet the needs of our students, the community, our state and beyond."

Prior to his appointment as Director of Graduate Studies, Dixon served as Director of the Classical Studies Program within the USI College of Liberal Arts. His additional administrative appointments at USI include service as acting Associate Provost for Academic Affairs; Interim Dean, Associate Dean and Assistant Dean of the College of Liberal Arts; and acting Chair of the History Department.

Dixon joined the USI faculty as an Assistant Professor of History in 2000. He was awarded the rank of Associate Professor in 2006 and full Professor in 2015. He earned a bachelor's degree in classics (ancient Greek and Latin languages) from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and master's and doctoral degrees in ancient history from The Ohio State University.

Offices for the School of Graduate Studies will continue to be housed in the Orr Center, the location of the former Graduate Studies offices. For more information about graduate education at USI, visit the School of Graduate Studies website at USI.edu/graduate.