I played football up until college and really like what it taught me-teamwork, respect and working with others to name a few. I started coaching after my playing years were over and that ultimately led me here to O’Dowd.
What is your position here and how long have you worked at O’Dowd?
I am the Associate Director of Campus Security. I started coaching football here in 1998, then worked as a substitute in 2012-2013. I started working in security in 2012.
What is the best piece of advice you ever received (generally – it doesn’t have to be related to O’Dowd)?
6 P’s to success… Proper Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance. I learned this from coaching and found that it applies to all walks of life. Spontaneity is okay sometimes, but it’s best to always have a plan.
What is your favorite thing about your job?
Working with kids and helping them develop into productive adults. I was in Target the other day and a kid (now a young man) from the Class of 2008 came up to me and said, “Coach Dixon, you may not remember me but you were my football coach in 2005. I just wanted to say hi and introduce you to my wife and daughter.” Once he said his name I did remember him, but I love the fact that he approached me and made me feel like I may have had some impact on him. And of course we talked about football!
What about your field or position do you think would surprise people the most?
We are more than just security, we are customer/student service, visitor relations, campus logistics and security all rolled into one. We are the eyes and ears of the campus.
What is the most interesting or surprising thing about you?
Surprising-my favorite TV show is The Young and the Restless. I record and watch it faithfully. I started watching years ago with my mom and just continued after she passed. Sometimes I think the ridiculous drama played out on the show makes real life drama easier to deal with.
If you could rescue only one thing from your burning office, what would it be?
I would say a family photo, but nowadays with information and photos on the “cloud,” I think the biggest thing to rescue is me!
Bonus Questions
What is your favorite kind of music/what are your favorite bands?
Mostly old school 70s and 80s R&B, like Earth Wind & Fire, Tower of Power and Cameo.
What is your favorite sports team or who is your favorite individual athlete?
I grew up in San Francisco, so I’ve always been a 49ers, Giants and Warriors fan. My favorite athlete is Michael Jordan because he helped coin the phrase “I Wanna be Like Mike!” LOL