Dixon Fellows Program
Engage With Leading Clemson faculty
Founded in 1996, the Joseph E. and Caroline G. Dixon Fellows Program brings together some of Clemson University's best students and faculty to form a unique community dedicated to intellectual, cultural, and personal learning and growth.
Intellectually-talented students meet regularly with professors as a small group to learn and discuss a particular topic for the semester. Topics vary each semester, based on the Senior Fellows' interests and backgrounds.
About the Program
At the heart of the Dixon Fellows experience is the mentor group, a small number of students (the Junior Fellows) meeting together with a professor (Senior Fellow) who acts as role-model, mentor, and guide.
These small groups meet regularly throughout the semester to engage in a variety of formal and informal programs and events, each designed to encourage discussion and conversation, and to enable the Junior Fellows to learn from the Senior Fellows, from invited guests, and from each other.
The Dixon Fellows are also invited to a number of special events—including lectures, receptions, and performances—involving the entire group. They are also able to participate in specialized seminars and workshops on a variety of practical matters, such as how to obtain an internship or how to prepare for an interview.
Program Details
Eligibility
Admission to the program is highly selective and is only open to new first year and current Clemson Honors students with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.4.
Dixon Junior Fellows are selected on the basis of academic excellence, commitment to public service, leadership potential, and personal integrity. They form a community of Clemson University’s most exceptional students.
Junior Fellows are expected to:
- Take their formal studies seriously, yet maintain a strong interest in the world of learning outside the classroom. This includes regular attendance to their Dixon Fellows group if selected.
- Complete a 500 word reflection on the program they attended and what value they derived from it.
- Expand their educational horizons to include a broader exposure to foreign cultures, the arts, and the life of the mind.
- Assume leadership roles at Clemson University, and to participate in a wide range of public service activities at Clemson and in the larger community.
Students apply for each semester they wish to participate. The program has changed to a semester-long program in order to allow students the option to participate in more than one program, and because academic and work schedules change from one semester to the other.
Application Process
Applications are submitted online in late August for the Fall Semester and in December/early January for the Spring Semester (once students know their Spring schedules). Information about the program is provided at Honors orientation sessions and in the weekly newsletter to students.
A complete application consists of:
- The "Personal Information section" completely filled out, including your preferred course options.
- A 100 to 200 word essay about why would you like to become a Dixon Fellow and how you are prepared to actively contribute to the success of the program.
- A brief certification that you are able to attend the program during the time allotted and that you will comply with program requirements, including attendance and meaningful participation.
Senior Fellows
The following Clemson University faculty members are leading Dixon Fellows groups as Senior Fellows:
| Senior Fellow | Department | Course Title | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Archana Venkatesh | Philosophy and Religion |
Beyond Football: Sports and the Making of the Modern World Archana VenkateshBeyond Football: Sports and the Making of the Modern World We’re all familiar with this feeling: our sports team lost, and we feel despair. Why do we care so much about sports? Why are they such an important part of our social, cultural and personal lives? What is the larger narrative sports help us be a part of? |
Wednesdays | 5:00-6:30 p.m. |
| Eric Touya | Languages and Interdisciplinary Studies |
Current Issues in American and Global Politics and Culture Eric TouyaCurrent Issues in American and Global Politics and Culture We discuss topics selected by each participating student on current Issues in American and global politics and culture. Each discussion is based on an online newspaper article selected and presented by a student. Critical thinking, debates, and ethical perspectives are encouraged, from diverse US and/or global perspectives. |
Wednesdays | 5:30-7:00 p.m. |
| John DesJardins | Bioengineering |
Hands-On Design and Entrepreneurship John DesJardinsHands-On Design and Entrepreneurship Do you have an idea, invention, or product that you have always wanted to make, develop, or market? In this two semester program, we will explore and experience the invention, innovation, and entrepreneurship process. We will meet weekly or bi-weekly to learn, experience, and enjoy each other’s ideas and progress. We will develop and refine your idea, we will make it, and we will pitch it at local competitions for real cash. Not ready for the stage, no worries, we will also help others in the program do the same, and contribute to the innovation and entrepreneurial network on campus and in the community. |
Tuesdays | 6:00-7:00 p.m. |
| Ethan Kung | Mechanical Engineering/ Bioengineering |
Probing Human Nature and Reflections on Worldviews Through Film and Literature Ethan KungProbing Human Nature and Reflections on Worldviews Through Film and Literature What specifically about “Romeo and Juliet” captures us? If you really think about it, it isn’t completely obvious why a story where everyone dies should resonate so much with the human heart. There seem to be specific “themes” permeating tales that have been wildly successful. What elements about these tales capture us and why? What do they reveal about human nature and subsequently about the nature of the reality that we live in? How can the materialistic worldview, or a spiritual worldview, interpret the things that humans find meaningful? In this group we will explore these questions through examining modern and classic films and literature. Meetings will consist of discussions or film viewing, depending on the week. We may also have occasional get-togethers for fun activities off-campus. The hope is that, in addition to gaining a better understanding of human nature and new perspectives, participants will also make long-lasting friendships to support each other in their journeys through life. |
Mondays | 6:00-7:30 p.m. |
| Suzanna Tremblay | Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice |
What Does it Mean to be Human: Anthropology in Science Fiction Suzanna TremblayWhat Does it Mean to be Human: Anthropology in Science Fiction We will explore what it means to be human through a variety of science fiction books and a final movie selection. Each will hopefully challenge your conception of what it is to be human. |
Mondays | 5:30-7 p.m. |
Joseph E. and Caroline G. Dixon
Joseph E. Dixon
Joseph E. Dixon was born in 1917 in Dillon, South Carolina, son of Harry Edmiston Dixon and Nina David Dixon. He grew up in South Carolina and attended elementary through high school in Columbia.
At Clemson University, from which he graduated in 1939, Mr. Dixon lettered in varsity boxing and earned a Bachelor of Sciences degree. In October 1940, he was called into the service and during his six and one half years in the Army, served in the Pacific and European theaters and was promoted from Second Lieutenant to Infantry Major.
After returning home from World War II in 1946, he began working in Philadelphia as a sales representative for World Book Encyclopedia, part of Field Enterprises, Inc. During his over thirty-five years with World Book, he was sales manager for South Carolina and part of Georgia. For eleven out of twelve years, 1968-1979, the branch under his management led the eighty-four branches in the United States and Canada in total sales. He concluded his World Book career as Senior Vice President in charge of sales for the Eastern United States and Canada.
Mr. Dixon was a member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church, where he served as a deacon and Boy Scout leader. Mr. Dixon passed away in 2010.
Caroline Goggans Dixon
Caroline Goggans Dixon was born in Columbia, daughter of the late James Furman Goggans and Isoline Wyche Goggans. After graduating from old Columbia High School, she attended Hollins College and graduated from the University of South Carolina. Not only did she do substantial work as a community volunteer, but she was also a major source of support in the course of Mr. Dixon's career with World Book Encyclopedia. Her work as a community volunteer included serving as president of The Junior League of Columbia and as treasurer of the Board of Directors of the Historic Columbia Foundation.
Mrs. Dixon was one of a six-member committee that directed and carried out the campaign to raise funds necessary to save the endangered Robert Mills House in 1962 and later received the Historic Columbia Foundation Award for Distinguished Achievement in Historic Preservation. A longtime supporter of the Columbia and Metropolitan Opera guilds, she was also a member of The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America and of The Daughters of the American Revolution. She was a member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Columbia. Mrs. Dixon passed away in 2000. She and Mr. Dixon are survived by two children and two grandchildren.
Find Out More
If you are interested in hearing more about the Dixon Fellows program, would like to make a suggestion or comment, you may contact us using the information below.
Dixon Fellows Program
Alexander Billinis, Program Coordinator
180 Cribb Hall
Clemson, SC 29634-5106
Program email: dixonfellows@clemson.edu
