News
Former CSAL Faculty and Student Nominated as ACPA Diamond Honorees
November 13, 2025
Congratulations to Dr. Donald "DJ" Mitchell, Jr. (CSAL Faculty, 2012-2017) and Michael George Dixon, Jr. (CSAL Class of 2007) on being nominated to the ACPA Diamond Honoree Class of 2026!
The Diamond Honoree Program, established in 1999, is a way for those that care about students – and the research, scholarship, and programs that promote student development and success – to help advance our association’s efforts. Diamond Honorees are “Championed” by dedicated individuals who recognize their specific contributions and choose to raise funds in honor of each Diamond Honoree’s outstanding and sustained commitment to higher education through student affairs and student development. Those funds are then utilized to help sustain the ACPA Foundation in its support of the research, scholarship, and programs that advance our field as a whole.
Michael Dixon’s (he/him) professional career in education spans over 20 years, covering pre-school through the college and university years. He is currently serving as a substitute teacher in the Illinois 30c District (Troy Consolidated School District, Shorewood, IL) after a 19-year career in higher education. Prior to this role, he served as Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at The Avery Coonley School (IL). His tenure in higher education started in 2004 and held previous positions at Susquehanna University (PA), Manchester University (IN), St. Ambrose University (IA); Knox College (IL), Hope College (MI), and Guilford College (NC). Dixon is currently a Ph.D. candidate in educational leadership and administration at Indiana State University. He believes in the transformative power of education, particularly the experiences that can happen at small, private, liberal arts institutions.
Donald “DJ” Mitchell, Jr., Ph.D. (he/him) serves as Vice President for Mission Integration at Molloy University, where he leads efforts to align the university’s mission with daily practice and long-term vision. A nationally recognized scholar, his work centers diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education contexts, with a particular focus on identity, intersectionality, historically Black colleges and universities, and historically Black fraternities and sororities. DJ's contributions have been widely recognized, including honors such as ACPA’s Emerging Scholar Award, Diverse: Issues in Higher Education’s Emerging Scholar Award, and multiple research and publication awards. Colleagues describe him as a thought leader who brings together research, personal narrative, and institutional mission to shape more inclusive communities. Through scholarship, leadership, and service, Dr. Mitchell has advanced equity and justice in higher education while mentoring the next generation of leaders. His work continues to inspire transformation at Molloy and across the academy.
Click here to support Michael's ACPA Foundation team
fundraising page.
Click here to support DJ's ACPA Foundation team
fundraising page.