AAMU Alumnus Tapped to Strengthen Student Support and Retention Efforts

Alabama A&M University has appointed Aaron Dixon as Acting Assistant Vice President for Student Success, Retention, and Persistence. In this pivotal role, Dixon will oversee programs and services that help students thrive academically, socially, and personally – starting from their very first days on The Hill.

Dixon brings to the position a deep understanding of the student experience, having served as Executive Director of the Freshman Academy. A proud Bulldog and former Student Government Association President, he holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Alabama A&M University and a master’s degree in College Student Personnel from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Leadership and Decision Making from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

“This position is designed to serve as the University’s chief retention officer,” said Dixon. “My responsibilities include overseeing undergraduate advising, tutorial services, academic coaching and recovery, and other key student success initiatives. A central part of this role will be enhancing collaboration between academic and student service units to ensure a more seamless support system for students.”

With a strong background in student development and a passion for equity in education, Dixon is focused on leveraging institutional data and best practices to remove barriers and elevate the student experience. He emphasizes the importance of aligning resources to support academic progress, persistence, and a sense of belonging.

“My goal is to help streamline and elevate the many student success efforts already happening across campus,” he said. “Our academic and student services teams are doing phenomenal work, and I want to be a strong partner in amplifying those efforts to ensure every student feels supported while attending the University.”

Dixon is especially excited about collaborating with faculty and administrators across campus to craft and implement strategies that improve student engagement and retention. His approach is proactive and student-centered, grounded in the belief that success begins with intentional support from day one.

Prospective students and incoming freshmen, he says, should know that Alabama A&M University offers a wide range of services to help them succeed from the moment they arrive. That includes personalized first-year advising, tutoring and writing support, career development, and nearly 50 Registered Student Organizations that promote involvement and leadership.

“This is one of the best roles on campus because it allows me to collaborate with a wide range of University stakeholders to foster a deeper sense of engagement and belonging for our students. Together, we’re building a campus culture where every student feels supported, seen, and empowered to succeed.”

That sense of shared purpose, Dixon says, is essential to creating a unified approach to student success and long-term retention.

“The goal of increasing persistence and retention is everyone’s responsibility,” said Dixon. “From entry-level staff to tenured faculty, we each play a critical role in supporting student success. I’m excited to build upon the great work already happening and introduce new initiatives that meet the evolving needs of our students.”