“I have the best job! I have the opportunity to get to know students as they start their WPU experience and serves as a resource to them all 4 years. I get to work with some of the best and brightest students as Peer Mentors and have great pride in watching them grow and develop as student leaders. It is an honor to serve at my alma mater.”
Dawn Dillon currently serves as the Director of the First Year Experience and Retention at William Peace University. She coordinates campus retention efforts along with directing the many aspects of the first year experience including Pathways to Peace (fall orientation program), First Year Seminar course (FYS 100), and supervises the Peer Mentors. Along with her partners in the Center for Student Success, she support success efforts and outreach on campus. Dawn has held several positions at Peace and worked in a variety of areas including residence life, student life, academic advising, academic and disability services. Dawn teaches FYS 100, in the Leadership Studies, in the Honors Program and is a certified EQi (Emotional Intelligence) interpreter. She currently chairs the Annual Retention Team and the WPUConnect UsersGroup, along with serving on the University Council, The CARE Team and Commencement Committee.
In and outside her work at Peace, Dawn has worked with a variety of Study Circles. Originally trained at the YWCA as a Study Circle Facilitator, Dawn has lead Study Circles with thru the YWCA, Wake County Public Schools, MDAP initiative with Raleigh area colleges and various other opportunities. She is a member of Edenton Street United Methodist Church, where she has had several leadership roles including, chair of the Church Council. Dawn also coordinates the Loads of Love, Laundry Ministry at ESUMC.
Dawn graduated from Peace with an AA degree and went on to receive her BA in Psychology from North Carolina State University. Dawn holds a Masters of Education in Student Personnel Services from the University of South Carolina. She has held positions at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, University of South Carolina, and Mercer University in residence life, student activities and leadership, prior returning to her Alma Mater, Peace College (now William Peace University).
Education
- AA from Peace College, 1986;
- BA in PSY from NCSU, 1988;
- MEd in Student Personnel Services from Uni. of South Carolina, 1994
Activities & Honors
- Jan Edwards Service Award- 2006
- Omicron Delta Kappa- 2009
- Outstanding Academic Advisor 2010