Dr. Chequitia Dixon, Practical Nursing program director, was recently named dean of
the Division of Health Sciences.
Dixon, who joined the the Coahoma ranks as Practical Nursing instructor, has a nine-year tenure with Coahoma Community College.
Hailing from Clarksdale, Mississippi, Dixon's rich educational background has aptly carved a path to the duty of providing oversight.
Coahoma Community College President Dr. Valmadge T. Towner notes Dixon's unique ability to capitalize on the experience of working in the off-campus division.
"We are excited about the enthusiasm and familiarity that Dr. Dixon will bring to the Division of Health Sciences. She has a deep and intimate program knowledge for the Division of Health Sciences. We are proud of the successes that Health Sciences has achieved," Towner remarked.
"As with any significant pursuit and quest, it will take a team to help Health Sciences further the progress made in previous years. We believe that Dr. Dixon can provide the appropriate leadership, and I am hopeful that we will support her leadership in her new role. She has the experience and skill set to serve. Our communities benefit tremendously from an excellent health sciences division. I ask everyone who cherishes CCC to fully support Dr. Dixon and the Health Sciences division."
Upon receiving an associate degree from Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas, Dixon earned a bachelor's in biology from Rust College then a second bachelor's in nursing from Delta State University. She obtained both a master's in nursing education (2014) and a Doctor of Philosophy in nursing education and administration from William Carey University (2018).
Aiming to prioritize recruitment efforts, she looks forward to a safe return to community health fairs, High School Day, and high school tours. She seeks to further work in building partnerships within the College's service area and surrounding counties. The division continues promoting its programs while adhering to strict guidelines, she emphasized.
"I consider it a great honor to have been chosen to serve the students, faculty, and staff as the Dean of the Division of Health Sciences at Coahoma Community College. As I embark upon this opportunity, it is with gratitude that I continue the spirit of excellence that has been established. My desire is to cultivate a culture of transparency, accountability, inclusion, and equity within the academic milieu as I acclimate to this new role," said Dixon.
"The faculty and staff of the Health Science Division have worked tirelessly within their specific programs to ensure the success of our scholars. I am confident that the faculty and staff will continue to successfully thrive as a division and keep student success at the forefront of our divisional initiatives."
Dixon hopes to pitch her vision for expansion. Her improvement plan involves adding square footage to the Robert G. Mason Health Science Center and Rena Butler Health Sciences Annex to accommodate services and students. She also foresees the addition of a Health Care Assistant program as the pandemic has revealed the need for more medical professionals in the workforce.
A natural-born empath, Dixon discovered her purpose growing up around the elders in her neighborhood and church.
"I would listen to them express their health issues and how those issues impacted their lives," she recalled. This led her to the finding that those who supported and loved her most would be quite pleased to have her serve in their community.
"My initial aspiration was to become a physician, but as you can see, God had greater plans, and I am so thankful he did," she shared.
For more information about the Division of Health Sciences, contact 662.621.4210.