A West Virginia University assistant professor of foreign languages will receive the Universitys highest honor for service to African American employees and students during a special Unity Breakfast this morning (Monday, Jan. 15) in the Mountainlair ballrooms.

Sandra Dixon has taught Spanish, Portugese and other languages at WVU for the past 15 years and has been frequently commended for her service to WVU s international community.

“I can think of no one more deserving of this award,”said Katherine Bankole, Center for Black Culture and Research director.”Dr. Dixon has a long-standing and consistent record of excellence in supporting the WVU African American community and furthering academic, professional and personal opportunities.”

A WVU assistant professor since 1985, Dixon has taught Portuguese, Spanish and coordinated a study-abroad program in Cuernavaca, Mexico, among numerous other responsibilities. She was the academic coordinator for a Spanish immersion summer camp for two years. Dixon also taught English as a foreign language.

Kathleen McNerney, a WVU Spanish professor, said her long-time colleague more than deserves the award.

“During the 15 years that we have been colleagues in the Foreign Languages Department,”Dr. McNerney said,”I have watched and admired her activities related to social justice in all facets of the profession.”

Dixon has consistently excelled in all efforts to improve the status of minorities, said McNerney, also a Benedum Distinguished Scholar and Singer Professor of the Humanities.

“In teaching, she consistently reaches out to all students, and at the same time, introduces the work of black writers of the Caribbean�€a group often under represented,”she said.”Her own writing as well, focuses on this group.

“I can think of no more deserving person than Professor Dixon,”she said.

Dixon has received numerous awards and honors for her work including receiving a summer research fellowship in Latin American Studies from the University of Pittsburgh and the Barbara Alvis International Service Award for Outstanding Service to the International Community.

She earned both bachelors and masters degrees in Spanish from the University of Pennsylvania in 1977 and 1978, respectively. She earned a Ph.D. from Brown University in 1986.

The presentation of Dixons award during this mornings Unity Breakfast is one of several activities planned in conjunction with Dr. Kings birthday. Last week, hundreds attended a talk at Morgantowns First Presbyterian Church by Cain Hope Felder, professor of New Testament Language and Literature and editor of The Journal of Religious Study at Howard Universitys School of Divinity.

Dr. Bankole was one of five chosen by outgoing Gov. Cecil Underwood to receive the”Living the Dream”awards as part of the states observance of the King holiday. Bankole received the award Saturday in Charleston for significant contributions in education.

WVU is closed today as part of a national King observance..