Sparks Award Honors Two From College of Arts & Sciences

ATLANTA—Georgia State University’s Sparks Award recognizes Georgia State faculty, staff and students who are unsung heroes at the university — people who are willing to go the extra mile and exemplify perseverance.

The Sparks Award, named after former Georgia State president George McIntosh Sparks, began in 1985 and is presented by the university’s alumni association.

This year, two College of Arts & Sciences professionals were named as Sparks Award recipients.

Human Resources Officer Teresa Rucker and Dabney White Dixon, a professor of Chemistry and Director of STEM Education Initiatives, have a combined 68 years of experience at Georgia State, making a positive impact in the university.

Dabney White Dixon: A Career Highlighted By Love Of STEM And Students

Dixon has spent nearly 40 years with Georgia State. In that time, she’s served as a professor, associate Dean, STEM director and mentor to countless students.

As the founding director of the Office of STEM Education Initiatives, Dixon has spent years ensuring that Georgia State students have the best opportunity to succeed in fields related to science, technology, engineering and math.

STEM is a passion for Dixon, as she has helped to secure millions of dollars in grant funding to improve undergraduate education and help undergraduates to enter STEM fields.

Dixon has also overseen the college’s STEM Tutoring Center, undergraduate research infrastructure and helped with curricular improvements including new courses and expansion of undergraduate research programs in multiple departments.

Michael Black, a principal senior lecturer in neuroscience at Georgia State, nominated Dixon for the Sparks Award and says she has had a positive influence on his career and that of many others at Georgia State.

“Dabney Dixon is a saint,” Black said. “She gives so much of her whole self to helping students at Georgia State University succeed. She has personally helped me and other faculty in our early careers to be better mentors and educators for students.”

Sara Rosen, dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, added, “Dabney Dixon is one of Georgia State’s heroes, who has had a positive impact on thousands of students through the STEM Tutoring Center and other support systems she has put into place. I am pleased to see her longtime efforts being recognized in this way.”

Dixon is also known for mentoring STEM students and she co-hosts the university’s fall and spring STEM conferences which have provided thousands of students the opportunity to present their projects and ideas in a supportive environment.

“It is a great honor to receive the Sparks Award,” Dixon said. “However, this is not only for me, but for all those who have worked with me to support our students as they move toward creative professional careers.”

Teresa Rucker: A Key Player in College Of Arts & Sciences’ System

Rucker started her career with Georgia State 31 years ago, working in a variety of areas at the university including enrollment services, student life, academic assistance and human resources.

Rucker has been an integral part in redesigning the College of Arts & Sciences’ graduate student appointment and summer payroll processes as well as being an instrumental part in streamlining the college’s faculty search processes.

New to the role of Human Resource Officer for the college this year, Rucker implemented a new organizational structure, trained a new team of staff members and resolved payroll and human resource appointment issues.

In learning about the award, Rucker shared gratitude for her colleagues. “I am humbled by this expression of support from the university community. I can honestly say I work with the best colleagues on campus.”

Dean Sara Rosen said Rucker is an invaluable leader among college staff.

“She works tirelessly for the faculty, staff, and student employees in the college,” Rosen said. “I believe that Teresa emulates the same work ethic and values of humility and perseverance attributed to Dr. Sparks.”

— Story by Horace Holloman