W. Robert Dixon, 1938 (Tennis/Cheerleading)
A three-year tennis letterwinner Robert Dixon was a team captain as a senior season. Dixon also participated in cheerleading, including one year as head cheerleader in 1937-38, and was the senior class president. He earned a bachelor's degree in 1938 and a master's degree from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs in 1939.
In 1940, Dixon began his teaching career in Middleville, N.Y. Two years later, in 1942, he became a high school principal. That same year he enlisted in the Aviation Cadet Program of the United States Air Force and was called to active duty. During World War II he was based in England and France and flew in 80 combat missions. He is a recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal.
After he returned to the United States, Dixon earned his Ph. D. from the University of Michigan in 1948. Dixon remained in the college ranks as a professor at the University of Illinois before returning to Michigan, where he worked for 35 years. His career achievements include fellowships in the American Psychological Association and the American Association for Advancement of Science.
Dixon has served as a scoutmaster for a Boy Scouts of America troop and founded the Ann Arbor Tennis Club. He is a three-time Michigan Men's Singles Champion and was once ranked fifth in the nation in the Veterans Tennis Division.
