University of the Virgin Islands Student Government Association (SGA) President Kevin Dixon was named a 2014 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) All-Star in February. The All-Star selection is part of a White House Initiative that recognizes 75 undergraduate, graduate and professional students for their accomplishments in academics, leadership and civic engagement.
Dixon was selected from 445 students currently enrolled at 62 HBCUs. Each student submitted completed applications that included a transcript, resume, essay, and recommendation.
“I am humbled and honored to be selected as a White House Initiative on HBCUs 2014 All-Star student,” said Dixon, a senior majoring in business management and business administration with a concentration in marketing. “This is an opportunity and a distinction that I am ecstatic to be a part of. I am privileged to be among students who continue to excel and make a positive impact at their respective universities and their broader communities.”
“As the leader for the Student Government Association on St. Croix, Kevin ensures a professional interaction with all on behalf of the SGA. He works on behalf of the students in all that he does and he is an able, punctual and reliable representative on many university committees,” said UVI Interim Provost Dr. Camille Mckayle. “That others recognize what we have known for a long time is no surprise. Kevin certainly is an ‘All-Star.’”
Over the course of the next year, the HBCU All-Stars will serve as ambassadors of the White House Initiative by providing outreach to and communication with their fellow students about the value of education and the initiative as a networking resource. Through social media and their relationships with community-based organizations, the All-Stars will share promising and proven practices that support opportunities for all young people to achieve their educational and career potential.
In addition, the 45 female and 30 male All-Stars will participate in regional events and web chats with Ivory Toldson, deputy director of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, other initiative staff and professionals from a wide range of disciplines. They will also have opportunities to engage with other scholars to showcase individual and collective talent across the HBCU community.
“One of my responsibilities as an ambassador is that, I am charged with promoting the value of education,” said Dixon. This role ties in directly with my role as the chairperson of the Shadow Our Students Committee.” The Shadow Our Students Program brings over 200 high school students each year to the UVI campus to show them the importance of higher education. The students sample college life and are encouraged to start their own vision of college achievement.
Dixon initiated the “Swagg” campaign - “Students with a Greater Goal” and the “Plant the Seed” initiative. Through this project, UVI students mentor fifth and sixth grade students in elementary schools on the importance of a higher education. It is an initiative of “The Shadow Our Students Program.” “I am truly excited to continue to promote the value of education,” Dixon said.
He is a Virgin Islands Legislative Youth Advisory Council member, Thurgood Marshall College Fund student ambassador, Honorary Degree Committee student representative, Virgin Islands Youth Advocacy Coalition Board of Directors member, University Senate student representative and a St. Croix Presidential Advisory Council student representative.
“Kevin takes his role as mentor and leader seriously; using his considerable talents to bring out the best in those around him; including his fellow UVI students and also our island’s younger students,” said Patricia Towal, interim dean of students on the Albert A. Sheen Campus. “Dixon, ever the gracious gentleman, brings enthusiasm, sparkling leadership and determined diligence to every project to which he turns his attention. We are thrilled to see his leadership recognized and rewarded by this honor.”
“I know President Dixon to be a man of great integrity and uprightness. Because of this, his gifts will always take him to great places,” said Joshua Edwards, UVI Board of Trustees student representative. “He has the ability to stay on the top and make great changes. This accomplishment is just another step to the greatness that his character and leadership skills have afforded him.”