Imogene Mathison Mixson, PhD Recognized for Contributions to Education

    OZARK, AL, May 18, 2022 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Imogene Mathison Mixson, PhD has been included in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

As academic dean at Wallace State Community College-Dothan, Dr. Imogene Mixson shared her knowledge and appreciation of the humanities with students for many years, both as an English teacher and administrator.

Born in Skipperville, Alabama, Dr. Mixson feels that she was blessed to have wonderful parents that guided her vision and values in a positive direction. As an only child, she was nevertheless part of a large extended family, so she was fortunate enough to have great relationships with her aunts, uncles and cousins on both sides of her family. In addition to her love of family, she developed a great love of education, as she enjoyed her teachers and schooling in general. Her first grade teacher, Mrs. Jewell Hudson, was a tremendous influence on her, and remained a friend of hers for many years, even as an adult. Dr. Mixson always felt certain that she wanted to become a teacher, and she never considered another career. Not only that, but she knew specifically that she wanted to become an English teacher, given her passion for books and reading.

Dr. Mixson laid the foundation for her career goals by attaining a strong education, graduating from both Skipperville Junior High School and Ozark High School as valedictorian. As a senior at Ozark High School, she was also selected by students as the girl most likely to succeed, as well as most dependable, most intellectual, and best personality. She would wear these titles proudly into college, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Troy State University in 1959, a Master of Science from Auburn University in 1963 and a PhD from Florida State University in 1972.

Dr. Mixson began her education career at Dothan High School as an English teacher in 1959, and she held that role until 1966 when she joined the Alabama Community College System as an English instructor at Enterprise State Community College. Two years later, she became the English Department chairperson there. In 1982, she accepted a position with Wallace State Community College-Dothan, where she would remain for the rest of her career. Initially, she was an English Department chairperson and assistant academic dean, but after one year, she was named academic dean. She also served as interim president of two institutions during her tenure as academic dean.

Although she is currently retired, Dr. Mixson continues to champion the cause of education, and she uses her newfound free time to enjoy life with her family and friends. She remains passionate about the daily practice of encouragement and support for student scholarships and professional development opportunities for faculty and staff. She currently sponsors more than 25 educational awards at several institutions: two high schools, two community colleges and three universities. These awards include "The Dr. Imogene Mixson Continuing Education and Research Endowment" at Troy University, "The Dr. Imogene Mathison Mixson Endowment for Administration of High Education Graduate Student Award" at Auburn University and "The Dr. Imogene M. Mixson Faculty Leadership Award" at Florida State University. She has also established endowed scholarships in honor and memory of her husband at Auburn University, where he graduated as an honor student. Additionally, the "Dr. Imogene Mathison Mixson Leadership and Service Scholarship" is awarded at two local high schools.

Most recently, Wallace Community College-Dothan recognized her contributions to the college and to the entire Alabama Community College System by naming the Dr. Imogene Mathison Mixson Writing Center in her honor. The Naming Ceremony was held on December 8, 2021.

In addition to her passion for education, Dr. Mixson has also held major leadership positions in all levels of the United Methodist Church and has been actively engaged in various civic organizations and projects. Currently, these include the Ozark Dale County Library Board of Directors, where she serves as long-term treasurer.

When asked about what lessons she would pass to future generations, Dr. Mixson replied, "I would like to pass on what I believe is an absolute truth, which is the fact that every human being has some attribute, some talent, some quality, some ability, some gift that needs to be identified and developed and used for the common good. That is a major part, as I understood it, of my teacher's role — finding those special attributes in what appeared to be ordinary people was miraculous. It is amazing what people have to offer if we take the time to find that special something and take the time to develop that attribute and then see just how powerful it can be used to help make the world a better place."

About Marquis Who's Who®
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Today, Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. Marquis® now publishes many Who's Who titles, including Who's Who in America®, Who's Who in the World®, Who's Who in American Law®, Who's Who in Medicine and Healthcare®, Who's Who in Science and Engineering®, and Who's Who in Asia®. Marquis® publications may be visited at the official Marquis Who's Who® website at www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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