In case you missed the news last semester, Sheriah Dixon began her role as dean of students on Nov. 1! The Peel caught up with Dean Dixon to ask some important questions and play a quick game of “This or That” to help you get to know her better.
Q: What should students know about the dean of students?
A: Students should know that the dean of students team always has an open door. We want to hear from students about the good, the bad and the ugly. We are here to support all students and ensure they have an unsurpassed student experience.
Q: What is the best part of being in the Orange family?
A: The pride, the dedication and the loyalty of students, faculty, staff and alumni.
Q: What do you hope to accomplish as the dean of students?
A: My hope is to give students a place where they feel heard and supported, to create another opportunity for students to make meaningful connections with the University. My goal as the dean is to work collaboratively to provide the support and opportunity that students need for academic and personal growth and development.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
A: After working in residence life for four years here at Syracuse, I took a leap of faith in 2012 and went to work in corporate America. While it was an interesting experience, I knew I wanted to be back in higher education not long after making the career change. I applied to job after job after job at all the colleges in Syracuse and I kept getting, “Thank you for applying, but we with went with another candidate.” It was hard, and a blow to my confidence. It wasn’t until I met with a prior supervisor from Syracuse University to talk about what I wanted to do with my career and how badly I wanted to work at the University again, and she looked at me and said, “Sheriah, it’s all about who you know and what you know.” In that moment, I knew what needed to happen to get me back in higher education, and here I am!
Q: What has been the most rewarding part of being in your new position so far?
A: The support and excitement that I have received from students and families that I have interacted with so far. They have found me in such a short amount of time. Engaging with our students and families and providing them a place to share concerns and support has been very rewarding. Also, the support and excitement from the University and colleagues across campus has been incredible.
Q: What’s your favorite restaurant in the Syracuse/CNY area, and what’s your go-to order there?
A: So many to choose from! I’m a foodie. But I’ll go with LongHorn Steakhouse, prime rib with a sweet potato.
Lightning Round: This or That?
Football or basketball? Basketball
Summer or winter? Summer, although winter can be very pretty at times.
Bird Library or Schine Student Center? Schine Student Center
Panda Express or CoreLife? CoreLife
Starbucks or Dunkin? Both! LOL.
Now that you know a little bit more about Dean Dixon, help her get to know you! Be sure to say hello if you see her around campus this semester.