Juli Dixon

Professor of Mathematics Education, School of Teaching, Learning & Leadership, College of Education 2014 Womens History Month

 

What is your current job title and responsibilities?
Professor of Mathematics Education
Coordinator, M.Ed. in K-8 Mathematics and Science
Coordinator, Mathematics Track of the PhD in Education
School of Teaching, Learning & Leadership, College of Education

What is your history at UCF? (past job titles, responsibilities)
I arrived at UCF as an Associate Professor in 2000. I have been the coordinator of both programs since my arrival. I was promoted to professor in 2009.

What is your favorite UCF memory?
My favorite UCF memory is from my early years at UCF. My children were in Creative School. I met faculty members from across campus who also had young children. We became fast friends. I came to know UCF and Orlando with those faculty and our young children. It was a special time.

If you could change one thing at UCF, what would it be? ($ and time no object)
This is a tough one. I think UCF is a great place. I guess I would provide more, and more competitive, fellowships for doctoral students so we could attract and retain the best and brightest of the next generation in academia.

What is one piece of advice you would like to share with your colleagues?
We should feel fortunate to be part of UCF. It is a great place with more opportunities to grow and achieve than most universities.

What is your favorite restaurant or food?
That’s easy – Hot fudge brownie Sunday with mint chocolate chip ice cream. Isn’t that everyone’s favorite food???

If UCF was going to name something in your honor, what would you like it to be and why?
I would like to have something related to the Mathematics Track of the PhD in Education named for me – maybe a research center related to the program. Much of my efforts at UCF go towards supporting doctoral students. They are our next generation. If I want to support more children to learn mathematics with understanding, then I need to prepare more teachers well – I can do that with greater reach if my doctoral students are doing it with me at different places around the country.

If you could have lunch with anyone at UCF (who you do not normally eat lunch with), who would you choose and why?
While my husband is not “at” UCF. I would like to have lunch with him “at” UCF. I envy faculty who have spouses who also work at UCF. I think it would be great to be able to meet for lunch while at work.

Who at UCF would you like to thank for your success?
I would like to thank Dr. Michael Hynes. His advice, while not always easy to hear, has been on target time and time again.

Name and describe a teacher or researcher from your past who truly inspired you and why.
Dr. William Speer is a Professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He taught me how to be a contributing member of my discipline. He helped me to understand how my teaching, research, and service could be mutually supportive.

What undergraduate or graduate class/program/experience inspired you the most and why?
I took a graduate problem-solving course in mathematics education during my doctorate. I had already completed quite a few graduate courses in mathematics at this time so I thought this education course would be easy. I learned how deeply one could think about elementary mathematics topics as I was stumped by problem after problem in this course. After that course I had a new respect for teaching and learning school mathematics that has stuck with me throughout my career.

Contact Us

Linda Walters, Director of the UCF Center for Success of Women Faculty
Linda.Walters@ucf.edu

Phone: 407-823-1113

Mailing Address
Center for Success of Women Faculty
University of Central Florida
P.O. Box 160955
Orlando, FL 32816-0955

Physical Address
4365 Andromeda Loop N
Millican Hall, Suite 351
Orlando, FL 32816-1997

Internal Mail (UCF)
Center for Success of Women Faculty
MH 351
32816-0065