Since coming to C of O in 1987, Dr. Dixon has considered himself to be first and foremost a teacher. He desires his students to view themselves as problem solvers and critical thinkers and to view him as a facilitator and mentor.
He prefers an extremely interactive teaching style that allows students the opportunity to experience both the pitfalls and triumphs found in the field of mathematics and attempts to focus on methods, as opposed to facts and rules. His role as facilitator strives to be one of cooperation by suggesting paths of discovery while clearing up ambiguities as they arise in the mind's eye of his students.
He was the recipient of the Missouri statewide 2017 Award for Distinguished College or University Teaching of Mathematics from the Missouri section of the Mathematical Association of America: while additionally, becoming the section nominee for the MAA Deborah and Franklin Tepper Haimo Awards for Distinguished College or University Teaching of Mathematics in 2018. While not the recipient of this national award he was honored to have even been considered. The guidelines for nomination of this recognition included an extraordinarily successful teaching career, documented effectiveness throughout his teaching, influence beyond his own institution, and the ability to foster curiosity and generate excitement about mathematics in his students.
Through the years he has been active in the Missouri Section of the Mathematical Association of America, often attending their annual meetings along with College of the Ozarks students and colleagues. This annual participation usually included the participation of one or two student teams in their statewide competition. He also served as a member of the organization’s executive committee for four years as their Student Chapter Coordinator.
His campus non-teaching responsibilities include being a co-sponsor of the Math and Physics Club, the International Relations Club, and Sigma Zeta (the national honor society for the mathematical, natural, and computer sciences).
His vision is to facilitate the ability of his students to see the beauty and elegance of mathematics.