Kacy Collier Dixon
Nesbit,MS
Summary
Dynamic higher education leader with 10+ years of progressive experience in student affairs, scholarship administration, leadership development, student success programming, teaching, and community partnership cultivation. Proven success leading student engagement initiatives, managing $400,000+ in scholarship awards annually, supervising student staff teams, and developing innovative pipeline programs that strengthen college-to-career readiness. Doctoral candidate in Higher Education Leadership.
Experienced with coordinating student services to foster supportive educational environment. Utilizes organizational and communication skills to manage student programs and events efficiently. Track record of enhancing student experiences through thoughtful planning and execution.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Coordinator of Student Services
The University of Mississippi – DeSoto Campus
Southaven, MS
01.2016 - Current
- Direct scholarship administration process awarding $400,000+ annually in institutional and foundation aid.
- Lead strategic student engagement initiatives including orientation, graduation celebrations, leadership programs, and retention-focused campus events.
- Design and facilitate 7 annual transfer student orientation programs supporting successful student transition and campus integration.
- Supervise and mentor 1 work-study employee and 5 Student Ambassadors in leadership, service, and campus representation.
- Teach EDHE 301: Career and Life Planning, preparing students for career readiness, interviewing, networking, and professional growth.
- Advise student organizations including Student Ambassadors and Phi Theta Kappa Alumni.
- Build partnerships with community organizations, employers, and schools to expand student opportunities.
- Represent campus in major fundraising initiative: annual 2+2 Scholarship Golf Tournament.
- Managed scheduling of student events, fostering engagement and community involvement on campus.
- Led workshops on academic resources, empowering students to utilize available support effectively.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to enhance service offerings based on student feedback and needs.
- Provided information and coordinated referrals for available programs.
- Implemented retention strategies to improve outcomes.
- Served as a liaison between students and campus resources such as financial aid, tutoring services, and counseling centers.
- Assisted with recruiting efforts by representing the institution at college fairs and high school visits, showcasing the benefits of enrolling in our programs.
- Facilitated workshops on time management, study skills, and career planning to support overall student success.
- Established partnerships with community organizations to expand opportunities for experiential learning outside the classroom setting.
- Organized successful orientation events for new students, easing their transition into college life.
Academic Counselor / Recruiting
The University of Mississippi – DeSoto Campus
Southaven, MS
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Advised 100+ students per semester on degree planning and academic progression.
- Developed employer scholarship partnerships through MOU agreements.
- Represented university in community recruitment and outreach initiatives.
- Developed personalized academic plans to enhance student success and retention.
- Conducted workshops on time management, study skills, and exam preparation strategies.
- Collaborated with faculty to address student concerns and promote academic resources.
- Maintained confidentiality while managing sensitive information related to students'' personal and academic histories.
- Conducted comprehensive evaluations of students'' academic needs, recommending appropriate resources and services.
- Enhanced student success by providing personalized academic guidance and support.
- Assisted in coordinating annual college/career fairs for increased post-secondary awareness among the student body.
- Helped students develop organizational, time management and study skills.
Admissions Recruiter
Delta State University
Cleveland, MS
02.2006 - 02.2008
- Conducted information sessions and campus tours to engage prospective students.
- Collaborated with academic departments to align recruitment efforts with program offerings.
- Fostered relationships with high schools and community organizations to enhance visibility.
- Managed scholarship applications, ensuring qualified candidates were fairly considered for financial assistance opportunities offered by the institution.
- Served as an ambassador at local college fairs and other recruitment events, effectively representing the institution to prospective students and their families.
- Advised students on educational, career and social opportunities.
Education
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Higher Education Leadership
The University of Mississippi
Oxford, MS12-2026
Master of Arts - Higher Education / Student Personnel
The University of Mississippi
Oxford, MS05.2013
Bachelor of Business Administration - Marketing
Delta State University
Cleveland, MS05.2004
Associate of Arts -
Itawamba Community College
Fulton, MS05.2002
Community Leadership Section
Southaven Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Board Member, Co-created BRIDGE Leadership Academy, pairing business leaders with high school students for mentorship, networking, and leadership development., Support strategic workforce and leadership pipeline development in DeSoto County.
Timeline
Coordinator of Student Services
The University of Mississippi – DeSoto Campus
01.2016 - Current
Academic Counselor / Recruiting
The University of Mississippi – DeSoto Campus
01.2014 - 01.2016
Admissions Recruiter
Delta State University
02.2006 - 02.2008
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Higher Education Leadership
The University of Mississippi
Master of Arts - Higher Education / Student Personnel
The University of Mississippi
Bachelor of Business Administration - Marketing
Delta State University
Associate of Arts -
Itawamba Community College