Career Center Employee wins Student Affairs Distinguished Service Award

Kimberly Joy Dixon

On November 3, 2011, at the Thirtieth Annual Student Affairs and Enrollment & Retention Management Convocation, Career Center Assistant Director of Employer Relations and Diversity Kimberly Joy Dixon received the Student Affairs Distinguished Service Award for her work in Student Development. Ms. Dixon was one of four nominees to receive the award this year and was recognized—most notably for her work in creating and managing the Diversity Professional Leadership Network (DPLN), a program that pairs 20-30 minority students with professional mentors in their fields of interest.

Since coming to work for Stony Brook in 2000, Ms. Dixon has expanded far beyond the limits of her initial role as a career counselor. In 2008, her work in developing relationships with corporations, non-profits and government organizations led to her promotion to the post of Assistant Director of Employer Relations and Diversity. Since then, the Career Center has seen a 163% increase in the total number of students of color using Career Center services.

Aside from the Distinguished Service Award, which Career Center Director Marianna Savoca describes as “long overdue,” Ms. Dixon has also been awarded the 2011 INROADS Educator of the Year Award for the New York region for her work in diversity recruitment, and her extra efforts to prepare Stony Brook students for paid opportunities through the non-profit diversity recruitment organization INROADS. Her work with INROADS has gained Stony Brook regional recognition amongst employers—a reputation that Ms. Dixon hopes will gain the attention of employers throughout the nation.

As Assistant Director of Employer Relations, Ms. Dixon helps develop relationships with students and employers. She also maintains relationships with Stony Brook faculty—especially with those of the College of Business. “Her dedication and profuse enthusiasm leaves an indelible impression on all those that have the opportunity to meet and work with her,” says marketing professor Camille Abbruscato. “There is no doubt in my mind that she is and will continue to be an asset to the Career Center [and] our students.” Ms. Dixon plans to continue her work at the Career Center, and to help students reach their career goals. “I like what I do,” she says, “and when you like what you do, you seek to get better at it.”