Shoreline Community College fills diversity administrator position

Shoreline, Wash., November 17, 2022) – Shoreline Community College (Shoreline) is pleased to announce they have appointed Melanie Dixon, president of American River College (ARC) in Sacramento, Calif., as Vice President (VP) of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI).

Dixon has served as the eighth president of ARC since January 1, 2021. She brings extensive experience in higher education and DEI throughout her professional career. Before her presidency, she served as the Associate Vice Chancellor of Educational Services and Student Success in the Los Rios Community College District (LRCCD).

“My mission is to put the community back in the community college system to address educational equity, poverty, and gainful employment in the regions I serve,” said Dixon. “The emphasis should be on relationships and co-creation, and I believe professional development is the mechanism for systemic change and dismantling systems of oppression.”

Shoreline President Dr. Jack Kahn expressed his excitement to have Dixon join Shoreline. “Melanie brings an incredible track record of action-oriented social justice work where she collaborates and brings people together to make institutional change,” said Dr. Kahn. “It will be a pleasure for me to work with her on the executive team and to learn from her as we go about our campus endeavors together.”

Dixon previously served as Interim Vice President of Student Services at Sacramento CityCollege (SCC), Interim Vice President of Innovation and Success at LRCCD, and Vice President of Student Services at Folsom Lake College (FLC). Previously, she served as Director of Retention Programs and Assistant Director of Diversity and Multicultural Student Services at Portland State University (PSU). She anchors her work in social justice and educational equity.

Dixon has a proven track record of community service involvement, including a role with the Affordability, Food & Housing Access Taskforce, which sets policy and provides advocacy to address students’ basic needs (i.e., food and housing insecurity, etc.). She also served as the Co-Chair of the 1300 campaign, an educational segment collaborative to address gaps in access for men of color. In addition, Dixon was an Equity Avenger, a collective of college leaders committed to closing educational gaps for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) communities. Finally, she served on the board of the Black United Fund of Oregon, the Foster Youth Education Fund, Resettlement Agencies Quarterly and the Sacramento County Food Bank and Family Services.

Dixon’s education includes an Associate of Social Science degree from Portland Community College. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership and Policy Emphasis in Teaching Adult Learners, both from Portland State University. She has continued her education through participation in various organizations to maintain awareness about DEI and anti-racism work and issues. Through her teaching, lived personal and professional experiences, she understands the importance of inclusivity and approaches her work from this perspective.