Kristi is a strategic higher education leader committed to student-centered approaches that advance student success, faculty excellence, and meaningful community engagement. She is passionate about creating accessible, stackable credential pathways with multiple on- and off-ramps between education and workforce, ensuring students can achieve their goals at every stage of life. Her leadership emphasizes strong partnerships among faculty, students, employers, and the community to provide opportunities and empower them to achieve their personal, academic, and professional aspirations. Provost Dixon brings more than 25 years of experience in higher education teaching and administration to Southern. Throughout her career, she has championed innovation, academic excellence, and collaborative leadership in service to students, faculty, and communities.

M.A. Marshall University (Sociology), B.A. Marshall University (Sociology)