Spotlight of the Week: Dr. Talisa Dixon – A Trailblazer in Education Leadership
Education is one of the most powerful tools for transforming lives, and Dr. Talisa Dixon has spent nearly three decades ensuring that students receive equitable, high-quality learning experiences. As a visionary leader, a champion for diversity in education, and an advocate for student success, Dr. Dixon has made an indelible mark on the field of public education.
This week, we shine the Spotlight of the Week on Dr. Dixon—an accomplished educator, administrator, and leader who served as the Superintendent/CEO of Columbus City Schools from March 2019 until her retirement on June 30, 2023. Her career, which spans classroom teaching to district leadership, has been a testament to dedication, resilience, and transformative impact.
Dr. Dixon’s journey in education began in Akron Public Schools, where she first served as a social studies teacher before transitioning into administrative roles. Her passion for empowering students and shaping school policies led her to become an assistant principal and later a principal.
From 2001 to 2010, she spent nine years as an administrator in Columbus City Schools, where she served as an assistant principal at Brookhaven High School before becoming the principal at Brookhaven and Columbus Alternative High School. Her leadership skills and commitment to student achievement became evident during these years, setting the stage for her rise in educational leadership.
Dr. Dixon went on to serve as Deputy Superintendent for Saginaw Public Schools in Michigan, a position that further solidified her expertise in district-level administration. In 2014, she became Superintendent of Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District, where she led with a focus on educational equity, student achievement, and inclusive learning environments.
Her return to Columbus City Schools in 2019 as Superintendent/CEO was a full-circle moment, allowing her to implement bold initiatives to enhance student learning, strengthen school-community partnerships, and advocate for policy changes that benefit diverse student populations.
Throughout her career, Dr. Dixon has been widely celebrated for her contributions to education. She has received numerous accolades, including:
✅ 2017-2018 National Administrator of the Year by the American Heart Association
✅ 2018 Educator of the Year by the City of University Heights
✅ Walking in Success Honoree (2015) by Dress for Success Cleveland
✅ Distinguished Educator Award by the Ohio State Coalition, National Council of Negro Women (NCNW)
✅ Columbus Business First’s 2022 Power 100 recognition for leadership in college and workforce preparation
Dr. Dixon was also honored with an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Otterbein University, acknowledging her exemplary leadership and service to education and the Columbus community.
Her advocacy for educational equity has received national recognition. In 2016, the U.S. Department of Education honored her and the Cleveland Heights-University Heights School District for ensuring equal representation of students from all backgrounds in Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs.
Dr. Dixon’s leadership extends beyond school districts. She has served on the Board of Directors for numerous local and national organizations, including:
🔹 I Know I Can – Supporting students in their journey toward higher education
🔹 Council of Great City Schools – Advancing urban education policies and programs
🔹 Otterbein University – Contributing to higher education development
🔹 United Way of Central Ohio – Advocating for community-based educational initiatives
She has also been involved with organizations like the Cleveland Metro American Heart Association Board of Directors and the Positive Education Program (PEP) of Cleveland, furthering her commitment to student well-being and holistic education.
Dr. Dixon’s academic achievements reflect her dedication to education and leadership. A native of Oxford, Mississippi, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Mississippi Valley State University before obtaining three Master of Arts degrees in Sociology, Educational Administration, and Secondary Education from the University of Akron. She also holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Administration from the same institution.
As a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Dr. Dixon continues to embody the values of scholarship, service, and leadership, inspiring the next generation of educators and students.
From her days as a classroom teacher to leading Ohio’s largest school district, Dr. Talisa Dixon’s legacy is one of transformation, innovation, and advocacy. Even in retirement, her impact on education continues to be felt through the policies she championed, the students she empowered, and the communities she uplifted.
