Gary Dixon
From College of Fine Arts and Communications
Contents |
Overview
Though backed by an impressive resume of professional activities, Gary Dixon does not credit himself for his many successes. Rather, he applauds the creative abilities of those he has been able to work with. It is this humility, and genuine love for his fellow men, which have been at the core of Dixon’s career.
Education
Gary Dixon grew up in Santa Fe, New Mexico and received a BA in Broadcast Journalism from Texas Tech University. In 1976, Dixon graduated from BYU with a MA in Communications.
Since then, Dixon has been a strong advocate of BYU, attributing part of his success to the time he spent at the University. According to a 2004 interview:
BYU opened up a new world of possibilities to me. The spiritual atmosphere and high academic expectations pushed me to new levels of what I could expect of myself.
The Communications Department in particular gave you a sense that you had a responsibility with the education you were receiving. It was an unspoken but very clear expectation that you would take whatever talents and learning you received and make a positive contribution to the media—not just get a job. Additionally, your horizons were broadened to think of your life’s work on a national or international scale.
I would suggest that any incoming student should be aware of the rich opportunities that abound from association with BYU. The day-to-day class work will sometimes wear at you, but the key is to keep the perspective that this unique university will open a world to you—and not just because of the skills you’ll acquire. You will discover that indeed your resume will get you in the door, but your values will get you promoted. Managers tend to put people they trust in charge.
In short, BYU has meant preparation for opportunity. The education I received there and the reputation of the school have been a springboard for my life as well as career. Several professors provided a benchmark of character and example to me that I have never forgotten.
It was with that enthusiasm that Dixon returned to BYU in 2008 as the College of Fine Arts and Communications Alumni Board Liaison to the BYU Alumni Board. Concurrently, Dixon was instrumental in organizing an alumni board for the College, and currently serves as Chair of the College of Fine Arts and Communications Alumni Board.
Career
The messages for the foundation have aired on all networks, on thousands of theater screens, and in over two hundred countries. They also appear on over ten thousand billboards around the country, including in Times Square. This outdoor effort was recognized as the most successful public service campaign in the history of the billboard industry, and the Foundation has been awarded several national awards including the TELLY, Creativity, Mobius, Cine Golden Eagle, and Gabriel.
Prior to his work with the Foundation for a Better Life, Dixon served as vice president of Bonneville Communications, where he directed the creative development of many successful campaigns, including campaigns for Major League Baseball, Homefront, Children’s Miracle Network, and the American Cancer Society.
Dixon has spoken at regional and national advertising conferences for the American Advertising Federation and at creative seminars. He has also worked overseas in Jakarta, Indonesia and Japan.
Additionally, Dixon serves on the Board of Advisors for the Harvard Center for Media and Child Health and on the National Board of Directors for the College of Mass Communications at Texas Tech University.
Honors and Awards
Dixon has been recognized several times for his outstanding service. He has won Emmys, Addys, TELLYs, Mobius, Gabriels for his work with Homefront and the Foundation for a Better Life. He has also been recognized by the American Advertising Federation and ProLiteracy Worldwide.
In 2004, Dixon was named an outstanding alumnus by the College of Fine Arts and Communications at BYU.
Dixon and his wife Susan have seven children: Rebecca, Russell, Monica, Melanie, Adam, Jared, and Kimber, and reside in Denver, Colorado.
