Equipped with support from her family and friends, Dr. Imogene Mathison Mixson always excelled at her academic endeavors. Recognized as the valedictorian of her class in sixth, ninth and 12th grade, she went on to attend Troy University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in 1959. Subsequently, Dr. Mixson received a Master of Science from Auburn University in 1963 and a Doctor of Philosophy from Florida State University in 1972. After delving into her career, she completed postdoctoral studies at Troy University and the University of Southern Mississippi between 1980 and 1982.
At the inception of her career in 1959, Dr. Mixson served Dothan High School as an English teacher until 1966 before serving in the same capacity at Enterprise State Community College. Named chairperson of the English department in 1968, she remained at Enterprise State Community College until 1982. At that time, she became an English instructor and assistant academic dean at Wallace State Community College-Dothan. The following year, she was promoted to the rank of academic dean until her retirement in 1996.
Civically involved in her community, Dr. Mixson has served as a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church and has held leadership positions in all church levels. Alongside her academic pursuits, she has also served on the board of directors of the Ozark-Dale County Library, the Alabama Humanities Foundation, and the Dothan Kellogg Center at the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind. Likewise, she was a coordinator for the Alabama Community College System’s Professional Development Task Force and a member of the advisory board for Auburn University’s Center for the Arts and Humanities. Notably, Dr. Mixson excelled as the interim president of the Alabama Aviation College and Wallace State Community College.
In light of her exceptional undertakings in education, Dr. Mixson has accrued numerous accolades. She has received a plethora of Alumnus Awards from Auburn University, Troy University, and Florida State University as well as recognition for excellence in teaching and leadership from the Alabama Community College System and Enterprise State Community College. Post-retirement, Dr. Mixson has served on the Legacy Giving Council at Troy University, where she established the eponymously named Dr. Imogene Mixson Continuing Education and Research Endowment Fund. She has sponsored more than twenty (20) scholarships and professional development accolades at seven (7) educational institutions since 2004. Looking toward the future, she intends to continue enjoying her well-deserved retirement while also remaining committed to lifelong learning and lifelong service, emphasizing educational opportunities for others.
