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Robert Dixon

Robert Dixon

By Sara Muri, AgJ '07

Working for the past four U.S. presidents, serving as a college professor and trying to solve the world's hardest problem - energy security - are just a few of the key highlights on Robert Dixon's resume.

In addition, he finds time to advise and guide MU college students through the CAFNR Connections Mentor program.

Originally from Lee's Summit, Mo., Dixon now spends his time in Paris, France, as the head of the Energy Technology Policy Division of the International Energy Agency, an agency of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. He, along with his wife and two children, live in the multi-cultural environment as he tries to fuel the world's largest economies.

"We look at alternative fuels, new sources of energy and new energy technology," Dixon says. He says these technologies may include clean coal, wind and even hydrogen technology. "We try to examine these technologies and understand how they fit into the fabric of the global economy."

Dixon says after the suitable energy source is identified, the IEA makes sure the country's government and private sector can properly implement it. "We make sure the needed government regulations are in place to push these policies forward," he says.

Dixon says an example of the nature of his work includes biofuel use in the U.S. "Biofuels are a growing source of energy," he says. "And, the state and federal governments must get the policies right to encourage the agribusiness community to continue to produce it."

"It is kind of a complicated job," Dixon says with a smile. "I work across 26 OECD countries."

The IEA is composed of around 180 professionals in Paris, along with representatives in all of the participating countries. "We have a core team that works in Paris, and we have a big network that goes around the world to work with governments and the private sector," Dixon explains. Around 12 of the professionals in Paris work for him.

Dixon has only been serving in this capacity since August 2005. However, he will hold his current position for three to five years.

Prior to his move to Paris, Dixon and his family were Washington, D.C. residents. He worked for President George W. Bush as an energy and environment advisor. Dixon split his time between two White House offices, the National Security Council and the Council on Environmental Policy.

"There are about 2,000 people at the White House," says Dixon of the two offices. "I was just part of the team." Dixon says he enjoyed his time at the White House, but prefers the working environment in Paris. "I now have a very family-friendly job compared to working in the White House," he says. "I don't want to criticize the White House, but in the White House you have to work very long hours. It is not unusual to work 16, 18, 20 hours a day, seven days a week." Dixon says his current work week of 40 to 50 hours a week is much more manageable.

Dixon's experience in the White House extends beyond the current U.S. president. "I worked for President Reagan and our current president's father," he says. He also served as the deputy secretary of energy for the Clinton administration. Dixon says he is not party affiliated. "I'm a civil servant."

While in D.C., Dixon met James Fischer, senior technical advisor for the Department of Energy. They met while both were serving on the board of directors for the DoE.

"Bob was an excellent resource for information with respect to my responsibilities at the DoE," Fischer says. He says the combination of Dixon's knowledge and communication skills was very impressive. "He had the ability to communicate complex scientific issues, such as the effect of carbon on global warming, in clear and concise words."

Fischer also says Dixon is a great mentor. "He is an excellent role model because he continues to build on the education he received at Mizzou. He continuously improves his education through personal professional development, and he is willing to collaborate and partner with others to achieve common goals."

Serving as a CAFNR Connections mentor combines many of Dixon's interests and strengths. "I've always been a mentor," he says. This was especially true while he served as a professor at the University of Minnesota. "I've always advised students," he says. "I've taken mentoring seriously my entire career."

Two years ago, Dixon was awarded for his strong dedication to mentoring. He received the "Mentor of the Year" award from the U.S. Department of Energy. "It was a nice award because there are 120,000 people who work at the DoE."

Even though Dixon has traveled many places, served in various capacities and is a strong family man, he still remembers the importance of his MU education. In April 2006, he participated in CAFNR's Reich Family Executive-in-Residence program. He met with various professors, deans and students during his three days on campus. Dixon said it was a great exchange of information for him.

"I learned by coming back to Missouri what is important to Missourians," he said. "And, I'm sharing my perspective on the world working at an international agency."

Dixon graduated from MU three times. He earned his bachelor's degree in 1977, his master's in 1979 and his doctorate in 1982. All three of his degrees were in forestry, although he concentrated on other areas during his last two degrees. "I actually worked on microbiology issues during my master's program," he explains. "For my doctorate program, I basically took chemistry classes. I conducted research on citrus trees and soybeans."

Bill Kurtz, MU forestry professor, remembers Dixon's drive and determination as a student. "Bob was an excellent academician and a devoted student," he says. "He was easy to get along with and was quite determined to succeed."

Kurtz recalls Dixon's determination in areas beyond the classroom. "Bob and I enjoyed many great afternoons running on the MU Gustin Golf Course," he says. "One time, as we were running down a hill, he stepped on a large number of acorns and it was like he was on marbles. He landed about as hard as I have ever seen anyone fall." Kurtz adds, "He caught his breath, jumped up and away we went."

Dixon's fortitude throughout his life is sure to benefit current college students through the mentor program. He already has advice to share with students.

"Think globally," he says. "Think about America's global competitive position." He says the world is a changing place and it is getting smaller with the Internet. He adds, "Think about the future of the country. And, get a good, deep, broad education."

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