Dixon Champions Graduate Education and Honors Achievement During AAMU Visit

Attorney, educator, and author Angela L. Dixon returned to Alabama A&M University to inspire students during a two-day visit focused on academic excellence, storytelling, and the power of giving back.

Dixon earned her English degree from Alabama A&M in 1993 before completing her MBA at St. Ambrose University in 1998 and her Juris Doctor from the University of Iowa College of Law in 2003. The Houston-based attorney is currently pursuing a doctorate in education at Purdue Global. Her visit was made possible through a grant designed to encourage students – especially those at historically Black colleges and universities – to explore advanced degrees.

Drawing from her own educational journey, Dixon led a Purdue Global HBCU Technical Talk in the Writing Center, where she highlighted the value of interdisciplinary learning and offered insight into the graduate school experience. Later, she hosted a Scholarship Dinner in the V. Murray Chambers Conference Room, honoring students for their academic promise.

Dixon, who has traveled to all 50 states and seven continents, is the author of “Candy Girl Chronicles,” a collection of memoirs from New Edition fangirls spanning more than four decades. The book explores themes of nostalgia, identity, and Black womanhood through the lens of fandom, and proceeds from its sales helped fund four $500 scholarships.

Scholarship recipients included junior biology major Paris Clack; junior business management major Diamond Gooden; freshman English major Zoe Daniels-Sankey and sophomore communications media major Farrah Northern. Alongside book contributor and fellow AAMU alumnae Michelle Elliott DeShields, and contributor Sonya Davis Dillard, Dixon recognized each student for their academic potential and dedication to their respective fields. 

“Scholarships should come from unexpected places, and so should inspiration,” Dixon said. “I want students to know their stories matter – and that their education can take them further than they ever imagined.”

Dixon also spoke to students as part of AAMU’s Youth Motivation Task Force.

“It’s important for me to come back and talk to students because I received my foundation at Alabama A&M,” she said. “If it wasn’t for this University, I wouldn’t have the career and experiences I have today. I want students to know I am a resource for them – to make their path easier. In terms of getting my doctorate in education, that’s a pathway they can take. As an A&M grad, I have lived the experience of ‘Start Here, Go Anywhere,’ and I want them to know that they can do that too.”

(Photo Back Row L-R) Michelle Elliott DeShields, Mya Trone, Angela L. Dixon, Sydney Scott, Kennedi Pugh, Sonya Davis Dillard, Diamond Gooden, Zoe Daniels-Sankey, Farrah Northern, Paris Clack