The University today announced the appointment of Sheriah Dixon, dean of students, as the University’s Title VI coordinator, effective immediately. This appointment, made well before New York State’s November 2026 deadline, demonstrates the University’s commitment to fostering a safe, welcoming and respectful environment for all students, faculty and staff.

As Title VI coordinator, Dixon will serve as the central point of contact for overseeing the University’s compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color and national origin, including shared ancestry and ethnicity, in any program or activity of a federally funded institution. Dixon will continue to report to Senior Vice President and Chief Student Experience Officer Allen Groves.

“Syracuse University has long been committed to creating a campus where every member of our community feels valued, respected and supported,” said Groves. “By appointing Sheriah Dixon as our Title VI coordinator now, we’re reinforcing that commitment and ensuring we have the most comprehensive infrastructure in place to address concerns promptly and effectively. This is another important step in our ongoing work to ensure Syracuse is a university that is truly welcoming to all.”

In her role as Title VI coordinator, Dixon will be responsible for:

• receiving and processing complaints that may implicate Title VI;
• offering supportive measures to students reporting discrimination or harassment;
• communicating the University’s policies and procedures for reporting and responding to Title VI concerns;
• coordinating with the Office of Equal Opportunity, Inclusion, and Resolution Services (EOIRS) to ensure appropriate investigation and resolution processes for all complaints and appropriate supportive measures for faculty and staff;
• maintaining comprehensive records related to reports and institutional responses; and
• overseeing annual training for students, faculty and staff.

The appointment is responsive to New York State legislation signed into law in August 2025, which requires all higher education institutions in the state to designate a Title VI coordinator by November 2026. New York is the first state in the nation to mandate such a position, going beyond current federal requirements.