Vice President for Inclusion and Human Dignity

“The dignity of each person is at the core of my work and is the vision Saint Mary’s has set for the position.”

Leon Dixon, MBA,
Vice president for Inclusion and Human Dignity

In its ongoing focus to advance diversity and inclusivity initiatives across the university, Saint Mary’s has appointed Leon Dixon, MBA, as vice president for inclusion and human dignity.

Dixon will assist with establishing an innovative culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the Lasallian Catholic tradition. He is charged with engaging faculty, staff, and students in building a welcoming culture of hospitality while fostering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and he will collaborate across the university in creating, implementing, and monitoring programs to support this strategic initiative.

Dixon brings extensive leadership experience, providing guidance and coordination of efforts to build more inclusive cultures where people from all backgrounds thrive. Most recently, he served as director of mission integration for inclusive excellence in the office of equity and success at Mount St. Mary’s University. Before Mount St. Mary’s, he held various leadership positions at the Archdiocese of Detroit, Kingdom Visions Human Services, and Detroit Cristo Rey High School. Dixon is a veteran of the U.S. Army and holds a B.S. in Management and an MBA from the University of Phoenix.

“What I have to offer is what Saint Mary’s is seeking, which is an approach to inclusion through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching,” Dixon said. “The opportunity to document and support what diversity, equity, and inclusion can be at a Lasallian Catholic institution is enticing as is the ability to walk with students through complex issues and trying times. The dignity of each person is at the core of my work and is the vision Saint Mary’s has set for the position.”

By examining systematic racism, prejudices, discrimination, and unconscious biases, the power of diversity can be unveiled. Together, we can recognize and celebrate both individual and group differences while embracing Saint Mary’s mission and values and creating a sense of belonging and harmony across the university.

Leon Dixon, MBA
Vice President for Inclusion and Human Dignity
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota