April 30, 2025
Spring 2025 Graduate: Jonicia Dixon
Name: Jonicia Dixon
Major/Degree Program: MAEd Elementary Education
Hometown/Current City: Fayetteville, NC
Hobbies/interests: Singing, Playing acoustic guitar
What’s your favorite memory from your time at ECU?
My favorite memory from my time at ECU was the opportunity to present my research at RCAW! It was the most rewarding experience of my academic journey. I worked endlessly on data collection, literature reviews, meetings with Dr. Gregory and interacting with my peers online. To see it all come together in the end was a major accomplishment for me. It was then that I realized my potential and the spark of collegiate level teaching began.
What inspired you to pursue a career in education?
My inspiration to pursue a career in education came from my childhood. My little sister and I would always play “school” as kids and I was always the teacher. From that point until now, my love and passion for teaching has continued to grow. I can’t imagine myself doing anything else. Teaching truly is a work of heart!
Who has made the biggest impact on your journey here?
Dr. Gregory has made the biggest impact in my journey at ECU. She pushed me and encouraged me every step of the way. I went through some hard things, and she was there supporting me in whatever decision I made. Dr. Gregory made herself available in any way that was necessary and she was always personable. Her communication and instruction of content was always top tier and I am finishing my degree because of her support. Meeting her in person at RCAW was the icing on the cake!
What’s next after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to pursue my Doctorate in Educational Leadership at ECU! 🏴☠️
What advice would you give to future College of Education students?
The advice I’d give to future college students would be to never self-doubt. Many times, we are standing in our own way from success. Others around us can see the potential in us, but until we see it ourselves, it doesn’t amount to much. Now that I know my worth and potential, the sky is the limit!
How has the College of Education prepared you for the classroom (or your next step?)
The College of Education has given me a strong foundation. I can take all that I have learned and now build on a firm foundation of strategies, research, data, interventions, and knowledge. I have the necessary tools and skills to use with continuing my doctorate.
From Dr. Kristen Gregory (associate professor in elementary education): Jonicia is an amazing elementary educator, graduate student, and person. After completing her BS in Education and teaching in the elementary classroom, she returned to ECU for graduate school for the MAEd in Elementary Education and Teaching Children in Poverty Certificate. During her time in our program, she earned Teacher of the Year for her school, endured some health concerns, and balanced family, work, and graduate school. This was no easy feat, but she persisted and accomplished it all. She excelled throughout her MAEd Elementary Education and Teaching Children in Poverty Certificate programs due to her dedication, curiosity, persistence, classroom experience, and work ethic. Further, her confidence grew immensely throughout the program, and I am SO PROUD of her. I know that Jonicia will continue do GREAT things post graduation to positively impact her students, families, and the community.