Mindy Dilley, Devin Dixon And Jeremy Knake Receive University Of Missouri-St. Louis Hero Awards

Press release from the University of Missouri-St. Louis:

University of Missouri–St. Louis Chancellor Kristin Sobolik and her cabinet continue to recognize the exemplary efforts of staff and faculty members from across campus by bestowing the UMSL Hero Award on up to three individuals each month.

This month’s honorees are Mindy Dilley, associate director in the Office of Student Involvement; Devin Dixon, the Master of Social Work program and Field Education coordinator for the School of Social Work; and Jeremy Knake, business manager for UMSL Facilities Management.

Mindy Dilley

Dilley didn’t always have her sights set on working with students in higher education. She initially set out to be a dentist.

But while in college, staff members in student affairs and student involvement noticed she was very active in events and planning and observed her aptitude for that kind of work. They suggested she’d be a great fit for a career in the field of student affairs. Dilley considered it and realized it was a great match with her skillset and personality.

Dilley is the associate director in the Office of Student Involvement, where she and her staff endeavor to engage students in campus life and provide guidance to resources. Her role can involve anything from planning student events to lending an ear to students in need of solace and direction. Her consistent efforts to go beyond the call have resonated with her collaborators.

“Over the past year, Mindy was tasked with filling in the gaps for multiple programs because of staff losses,” Teaching Professor Lynn Staley said in nominating Dilley for the Hero Award. “She heroically took over the huge task of creating programs and working with committees for all the history and heritage month events. I sat on many of these committees, and Mindy brought all her creative energy to the projects.”

When Dilley learned she’d received the USML Hero Award, she was surprised and even more elated to learn she’d been nominated by Staley, who teaches English and Gender Studies. Dilley didn’t expect her natural avidity to serve students to be recognized in a public manner, but the honor is a nice reminder of why her work is important.

“Everyone likes to be appreciated, and it makes me feel good,” Dilley said. “It reminds you that we’re doing this work for a reason. Sometimes it’s hard to remember.”

Dilley graduated with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and communications and a master’s degree in student affairs. She’s currently pursuing a doctorate in education at UMSL.

After working at several other Midwest universities, Dilley landed at UMSL nearly five years ago. Some of the best experiences of her time at the university have been seeing her staff flourish, particularly over the past two years.

“Ariana Smith has come on as the LGBTQ+ and diversity coordinator and they’re rocking our history and heritage month,” Dilley said. “They’re doing a safe zone training next week that’s already hit capacity and has a 20-person waitlist. Jessica Mode is the student activities coordinator and was critical in ensuring that the good work of our office continued when we were severely understaffed. She stepped up big time and truly is such an asset to the team as a seasoned professional.”

Dilley is also happy her team has been helping students stay connected while navigating the pandemic.

“Michaela Wells is our new coordinator for student organizations and fraternity and sorority life,” Dilley said. “They’re rocking with bringing in a new engagement platform for the summer, which gets students more involved and helps student organizations stay afloat through all of this. I honestly think that’s my favorite part of my role – just watching them.”

Devin Dixon

Dixon’s association with UMSL began long before she became an employee nearly five years ago.

Her father, Rev. James Dixon II, was the first African American student to receive a doctorate in education in 1988 from UMSL. Though his legacy didn’t impact her decision to join the university, it makes her proud to be here doing her best work.

Devin Dixon was surprised to learn she’d been selected for the Hero Award because her natural inclination is to be student-focused.

“I can’t really explain it because it’s just what I do,” Dixon says when attempting to describe her commitment to her work. “This is the standard I set for myself.”

This press release was produced by the University of Missouri-St. Louis. The views expressed here are the author’s own.