CUIN Alum Dixie Keyes Works for Literacy at Arkansas State University - University of Houston
Skip to main content

CUIN Alum Dixie Keyes Works for Literacy at Arkansas State University

Dixie KeyesCurriculum & Instruction Ed.D. Alumna Dixie Keyes chose the University of Houston, College of Education (UH COE) because she loved the idea of spending the next several years with a cohort of educators who shared her passion for teaching.

Keyes was working in public education when she decided to pursue her doctorate. Since she was still teaching high school as she worked toward her degree, she was able to apply the advanced coursework in supervision, advanced models of teaching, and learning theory in her classroom. “Strong teachers with self-efficacy will always be the greatest teachers,” says Keyes.

During her time at the university, her doctoral advisor, retired professor Howard Jones, and her dissertation advisor, professor Cheryl Craig, inspired Keyes the most. Jones always modeled what he taught. “In his courses,” says Keyes, “he always drove us inside then brought us back out to apply what we’ve learned. This is also how I taught classes every day.” Craig still serves as her mentor today in the narrative inquiry research field.

She is currently an associate professor at Arkansas State University in the College of Education and Behavioral Science. She is also the founding director of Arkansas Delta Writing Project, which serves the Northeast Arkansas region. Her research courses are central to what she does in serving on editorial boards, and in her own writing. “Dr. Keyes holds high expectations for her students, yet constantly gives them the tools necessary to achieve greatness with pride and excitement,” says former student Jennifer Walker. “Dr. Keyes is a major reason for our success in the education program.” Keyes’ Associate Dean also has high praise for the professor. “Dr. Keyes shows an unwavering dedication to the students and teachers of Arkansas,” says Associate Dean Donna Wake. “The quality of work and the engagement Dr. Keyes brings to her work for literacy in the state is exemplary.”

Now that she’s working as an associate professor, Keyes says she misses the camaraderie found in teaching at a high school. She is often reminded of the invigorating and challenging days she spent learning with those she graduated with at UH. When asked for advice for future students, Keyes said, “Swimming against the current and being successful fills us with greater clarity and cognitive ability; just keep going. It’s definitely a continuing journey—not an ending when you finish the degree.”