Dixon Johnson
Highly regarded among the USC international community, Dixon Johnson has served as executive director of the Office of International Services (OIS) since 1983 and has trained generations of staff in the art and skill of interpreting and applying federal regulations.
“Dixon is known for his great empathy and concern for the welfare of students who come here from around the world to get a U.S. degree,” says Judy Hartwich, senior associate director of OIS.
An advocate for students through the National Association of Foreign Student Advisers (NAFSA): Association of International Educators, Dixon has taught OIS staff how to “ensure that students get the greatest benefit from their education and aren’t bogged down in needless bureaucracy,” according to Hartwich.
“He is also known for his leadership in encouraging creative programming that allows international and domestic students to interact and learn from each other,” she adds.
Prior to working at USC, Dixon served as director of International Education Services at the University of Tennessee. He holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Oklahoma State, as well as a master’s degree in political science and a doctorate in college student personnel (higher education) from the University of Oregon. In addition, Dixon is a former president of NAFSA.
After 23 years at USC, Dixon will retire in June. “Having always been either students or employed in higher education, my wife and I are looking forward to exploring new opportunities and life without always having to get up to an alarm clock!” says Dixon.