1999 Walter Barnard Hill Awards for Distinguished Achievement in University Public Service & Outreach

Robert T. Dixon

Robert T. Dixon was recruited from private industry in 1989 to join the staff of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) because of his expertise in designing and implementing youth leadership development programs on state and national levels. Once on board, he was quickly given the responsibility for improving the quality and quantity of SBDC business training programs for existing businesses and potential entrepreneurs.

Dixon is responsible for SBDC’s Professional Development Program, which provides opportunities for business consultants to improve their skills and abilities in working with clients. The Georgia program exceeds the guidelines of the national Association of Small Business Development Centers (ASBDC) and has been the model for numerous states in developing their own programs.

He co-developed and co-directed the Business Management Practicum (BMP) in collaboration with the Terry College of Business. The 120-hour, postmaster’s/pre-doctoral professional development program emphasized state-of-the-art training for business consultants in the areas of finance, management, and marketing. SBDC assisted them in working more effectively with small business owners.

Dixon wrote The University of Georgia’s grant request submitted to IBM, Lottus, and the ASBDC to fund four Computer Learning Centers for Small Businesses in Georgia SBDC offices. The grant was funded for three years and provided hardware and software for the computer centers, which served entrepreneurs by giving them the opportunity to learn how to use computers in their businesses. The grant was one of the 19 funded in the U.S. and provided $59, 000 to UGA’s ABDC.

Dixon developed a partnership with the Northeast Georgia Regional Development Center and a consortium of area banks to own and fun the operations of an SBDC office in Dalton, Georgia, in 1995. In 1995 and 1996, a total of $28,000 was raised. Dixon also developed a partnership with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Pollution Prevention Assistance Division to provide pollution-prevention seminars for manufacturers in Georgia in 1994. This $10,000 grant was used to promote these workshops to small- and mid-sized manufacturers.

Last year, Dixon was presented with the “Professional Achievement Award” by the Georgia Adult Education Association (GAEA). The Award recognizes an individual who has made extraordinary contributions that cover a broad scope and have a direct impact on adult/continuing education programs. The award has only been presented three times since its inception in 1988.