Cheyney University News January 19, 2016 Dr. Robert Dixon Takes Over as Interim Provost & VP of Academic Affairs at Cheyney University Dr. Robert M. Dixon, an educator with more than four decades of experience in management, research and teaching, is Cheyney University's new Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. He took over today during the President's Executive Council meeting right after Dr. Frank G. Pogue, Interim President, pinned Dr. Dixon with the Cheyney family shield, welcoming him to the nation's first HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities). "I am a product of an HBCU and I know a great deal about the history of this institution," Dr. Dixon later shared. "I am committed to seeing that HBCUs make the transition in this country to be more competitive. I think there's still a great role for these institutions to play because of their quality of education and commitment to teaching and to student development. Cheyney places the development of students first. Teaching these students is fundamental and most important." Dr. Dixon received his B.S. in Physics and Mathematics with high honors from Morehouse College, his M.S. in Nuclear Physics from Rutgers University and his Ph.D. in Theoretical Nuclear Physics from the University of Maryland. He comes to Cheyney from University of Maine at Fort Kent where he served as Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs and Deputy to the President from January 2014 to December 2015. Prior to that, Dr. Dixon served as Dean of Academic Affairs at Medgar Eyers College, Dean of the School of Science at Hampton University, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Deputy to the President at Grambling State University, where he served under Dr. Pogue, and at Bishop College. He served a number of colleges as professor and chair of the physics department. He is widely published, has engaged actively in research in nuclear reactions, and has maintained an active interest and involvement in the field of teacher education through his consulting work with various public school systems in different parts of the country. He comes to Cheyney ready to face new challenges, set goals and attain them. "I hope to increase enrollment, increase the revenue stream and bring in new programs that will resonate with the interests and the needs of the larger society. I would love to see science and mathematics become very strong at this institution." Dr. Donna Parker, who served as Acting Provost and VP of Academic Affairs for the last several weeks following the departure of Dr. Phyllis Worthy Dawkins, Provost, will continue in her role as Dean of Faculty. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-702-5854 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 200 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children.