Lewis & Clark welcomes new AVP for Human Resources

October 29, 2009

Isaac Dixon will join Lewis & Clark on November 2 as the new Associate Vice President for Human Resources. Over the course of his 20+ year career, Isaac has served in a variety of human resource functions for small, medium, and large organizations. Most recently he worked at Providence as the regional director of the office of diversity. The Source learned more about his professional and personal interests.

What interested you in working at Lewis & Clark?

I would have to say that the opportunity to return to front line HR work is what initially attracted me to the role. I missed being in a role where the opportunity to work with the end users of HR services and products was an everyday part of my job. As I got to know more about the college, its people and the mission/values of Lewis & Clark I knew it was the place for me.

What (if any) are the common misperceptions or what is misunderstood about HR?

One of the most common perceptions about HR is that we are here to be “organizational police.” In many organizations HR is primarily responsible for enforcing rules, policies or procedures. Rather than being focused mostly on compliance, I believe it is important that we work to ensure fair, consistent treatment of all people within our organization.

You recently completed your PhD. What is your degree in and how do you think it might help you in your new role at the college?

My PhD is a Doctorate of Philosophy degree with an emphasis in Organization and Management. The degree will help me as I work to understand how Lewis & Clark approaches problem solving, career development and many of the opportunities/issues that are a part of the modern workplace. Since our workplace is academic it helps to have the inclination to ask questions and work with others to find solutions.

Lewis and Clark is always striving to build a stronger sense of community. How do you think community grows/develops in a workplace setting?

Human beings are by their very nature community based (some more than others of course but we all do better when we feel we belong to a place). At work, communities pop up in places such as our department, the people we eat lunch with each day, etc. Building communities comes through experiences that we share, the opportunity to know more about one another and find commonalities.

It also helps when we have a chance to see each other beyond our work roles (this is where a talent show would really help or something like “So You Think You Can Dance L&C”). Just kidding about the dance thing but a campus Talent Show might be pretty cool so long as no Miming is permitted–they weird me out.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love traveling with my wife and being involved in the community where I live. It is also fun just hanging around home rough housing with our Toy Fox Terriers!

Any favorite places to go hang out in Portland/Oregon?

I love this city so just about anywhere here is fun for me but we really love the Oregon Coast.

Anything else people should know about you?

I really enjoy most sports and can spend hours watching them in person. I love the arts and entertainment so getting out to concerts, art museums and just places where I can people watch are really fun. I like to read also with my favorite subjects being history and novels about people/relationships.