Dalton State College has selected Helene Robinson as the new dean of the School of Education, effective July 1. Robinson was selected following a national search to succeed Sharon Hixon, who announced her retirement earlier this year after nearly three decades of service to Dalton State, including 13 years as dean of the School of Education.
“Dr. Hixon’s vision, dedication and unwavering commitment to students, faculty and educator preparation have elevated the School of Education and positioned it for continued growth and success, and her legacy will be felt across generations of educators and students whose lives have been shaped by her leadership, which includes championing the Science of Reading to improve literacy efforts across Georgia,” Dalton State President John Fuchko said. “Dr. Robinson’s experience will help bolster and continue the momentum built by Dr. Hixon, and we are excited to welcome a leader of her caliber as we continue expanding opportunities for future educators and strengthening our impact across the region.”
Robinson brings more than 30 years of combined experience in PK-12 and higher education as a faculty member and in various leadership roles. She has specialized in arts integration, pedagogy, creativity, accessibility and innovative learning design. She previously served as professor of instruction and director of critical and creative design thinking at the University of South Florida Sarasota–Manatee, where she led initiatives integrating critical thinking, creative process, and human‑centered design into curriculum development, teaching, and professional learning.
Robinson said Dalton State’s strategic plan – Vision 2050 – resonated with her.
“Dalton State’s Vision 2050, with its emphasis on a culture of care and innovation, aligns closely with my values,” Robinson said. “After visiting campus and experiencing that culture firsthand, I knew this was the right fit. I am excited to collaborate on new initiatives, including the charter school, and to grow academic programs and partnerships while advancing interdisciplinary work across campus.”
Across her career, Robinson has designed and led interdisciplinary programs, launched new undergraduate and graduate pathways, and secured and administered large‑scale grants, including a $500,000 grant supporting statewide professional learning and teacher quality.
She has provided extensive professional development for educators across the United States and abroad, turning research into effective classroom practices through arts-based and creative teaching methods.
Hixon’s journey at Dalton State began in 1998, when she joined the former Division of Humanities as a reading faculty member. In 2007, she transitioned to the Division of Education. In 2013, she was appointed interim dean of the School of Education, later becoming the permanent dean– a position she held with distinction for more than a decade.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to Sharon for her outstanding leadership. Her dedication and accomplishments have laid a strong foundation for the school’s continued success, and we are deeply grateful for her contributions to advance our mission,” Gina Kertulis-Tartar, provost & vice president for academic affairs, said. “Her efforts have been instrumental in creating the significant momentum we enjoy today.”
Under Hixon’s leadership, the School of Education strengthened its reputation for excellence in educator preparation, expanded partnerships throughout the region and state, and positioned itself to meet the evolving needs of students, schools and communities. Key accomplishments include:
- Advanced literacy improvements efforts across Georgia, including championing the Science of Reading
- Secured more than $11 million in external funding for teacher education initiatives
- Developed strong partnerships with local schools, fostering collaboration and student success
- Served as a founding board member and key visionary for the Learning Academy of Northwest Georgia, a new charter school that will open in fall 2027
- Recipient of the prestigious Cindi Chance Award from the Georgia Association of Colleges for Teacher Education
“With more than 35 years of commitment to higher education, Sharon’s tireless efforts have cultivated a culture of student success, innovation and collaboration that will continue to benefit Dalton State for years to come,” Kertulis-Tartar said. “We thank Sharon for her service to Dalton State and are excited to welcome Helene to our campus community. We look forward to the expertise, energy and vision she will bring as the School of Education enters its next chapter of growth and innovation.”
