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Jesse Dixon, executive director of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Center (ESLC), was chosen out of nearly 650 nominations to be one of the St. Louis Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2016 . 

For the past 21 years, the newspaper has recognized the best and brightest businessmen and businesswomen, ages 40 and under, in the St. Louis region.  

“It is an honor to be recognized as part of such an accomplished group of professionals,” Dixon said. “I am especially proud of the wonderful work that we do here at the SIUE East St. Louis Center. I hope this distinction will bring attention to the Center and how our programs are improving the lives of children and families every day.” 

“We at SIUE are extremely proud of Mr. Dixon and our East St. Louis Center,” said SIUE Vice Chancellor for Administration Kenneth Neher. “Under his leadership, the Center is reaching new heights in serving children and families of East St. Louis and St. Clair County.” 

In considering his place among the Business Journal’s young professionals, he reflected upon his current role at the SIUE East St. Louis Center and the opportunities ahead.

 “After more than a decade working on education reform at the federal, state, district, and school level, working for SIUE on behalf of the 2,000 families we serve in the Metro-East is the most exciting project I’ve been a part of,” Dixon said.  “For 60 years, SIUE has been committed to education and youth development in East St. Louis and it’s an honor to be able to carry that rich tradition forward.”

 “The youth development landscape in East St. Louis is rapidly improving and we are pleased to be playing a leadership role in several partnerships that are working together in unprecedented ways to improve conditions for the City’s children and families,” Dixon said.  “As the second-largest youth-serving organization in the City of East St. Louis, the SIUE East St. Louis Center is positioned to have significant impact in the region.”

Dixon was asked to share his thoughts about the qualities of a good leader.

“Good leadership is team driven and focuses on a shared vision of results,” he said. “Find examples of where that vision is working and customize it to your unique situation. Learn from others and partner with them, when possible.”

In the end, the job of the leader is to ensure that the vision is rigorous but realistic, ambitious but attainable, Dixon concluded.   

“Dixon’s current role is essential to the revitalization of East St. Louis. The Center provides educational programming for 2,000 youth and their parents year round,” according to Dixon’s nomination application.

“The East St. Louis Center is the second largest provider of youth services in East St. Louis. Dixon serves on the Executive Council for East Side Aligned, a collective impact initiative. Dixon is co-chair of the After School Committee for the East St. Louis Youth Coordinating Council (YCC).

“Dixon was formerly the special assistant to the superintendent of the St. Louis Public Schools and assisted in the strategic planning that led to the District’s recent improvement in the state accreditation process.  As an education policy consultant to states, districts and schools, Dixon directed the launch and management of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Office of District and School Turnaround.

“Dixon has consulted with the U.S. Department of Education, Cleveland Metropolitan School District, University of Missouri-St. Louis, Saint Louis University, Northside Community School, Harvard Programs in Professional Education and the Illinois State Board of Education.”

The honorees will be recognized at an awards dinner on Thursday, Feb. 18 at Chase Park Plaza’s Khorassan Ballroom, 212 N. Kingshighway Blvd. in St. Louis. Cocktails begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 p. m. and the awards program at 7:30 p.m.

Ticket costs are $100 each or $1,000 per table of 10.  For more information, contact Kelly Rowland at 

314-421-8307 or stlevents@bizjournals.com.

SIUE East St. Louis Center: With a focus on empowering people and strengthening communities, the SIUE East St. Louis Center is dedicated to improving the lives of families and individuals—from pre-school through adult—in the Metro East region.  The Center offers programs that give the community renewed hope and an opportunity to reach educational, career and life goals. It does so by providing comprehensive programs, services and training in the areas of education, health, social services and the arts.