Engineering into the future: Meet Dean Warren Dixon

Warren Dixon, Virginia Tech’s new dean of the College of Engineering, combines a passion for student success with a research background in robotics and artificial intelligence and a vision for continued growth. He shared what he loves about Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), why he’s excited to talk to faculty, and why you might just see him pull a rabbit out of a hat.

What was the moment you realized you wanted to be an engineer?

A couple of engineers brought an eight-foot-tall, eight-legged spider robot to our science class in high school. I immediately fell in love with robotics and with engineering at that moment.

What are you looking forward to most in this new role as dean of the College of Engineering?

Virginia Tech is recognized as a world leader in many areas: wireless networking, power electronics, operations research, environmental restoration, mining, engineering education, naval autonomy, and industrialized and automated construction, just to name a few. I am excited to engage with luminaries in these areas to work across boundaries on problems that will have significant societal impact while also understanding how to continuously evolve our education mission so that our graduates are leaders in solving our greatest enduring challenges.  

Favorite source of caffeine?

Diet Mountain Dew.

Favorite robot?

Baymax from "Big Hero 6."

Ideal way to spend a Saturday?

If it's football season, you'll probably find me watching college football. Otherwise, I love being outdoors and enjoy hiking, fishing, riding my bike, or playing tennis. Being outside is how I recharge.

What about Ut Prosim (That I May Serve) resonates most with you?

I’ve had some time to reflect on what Ut Prosim really means, and it reinforced something I've always believed about leadership. Leaders are people who serve and lift others up, and what resonates with me is the humility behind that service. It's not about serving to elevate yourself. It's about helping others succeed and making your community stronger. 

What excites you most about working with Virginia Tech faculty members?

I enjoy learning about the passion that drives individual faculty members. I can’t wait to hear more about what research problems they're working on and what new frontiers they see.

Alumni are a powerful part of the Virginia Tech engineering community. How do you envision strengthening the relationship between the college and its alumni?

One of the best ways to strengthen those connections is by sharing the incredible stories happening across the college. I want our alumni to see themselves reflected in the experiences of today's students, faculty, and their fellow Hokie alums and know they can take pride in the impact we are making as a collective community. My hope is that they'll feel connected to our college’s greatest achievements and where we are headed.

What motivates you on difficult days?

As a first-generation college student at Clemson, I can still remember sitting in a faculty member's office, questioning whether electrical engineering was the right path for me. He took the time to mentor me through that moment. It was just one conversation, and he probably doesn't even remember it, but it changed the trajectory of my career.

That experience has stayed with me and reminds me that the advice we give, the encouragement we offer, and the time we spend with someone can have a lasting impact.

What's a hobby of yours people might be surprised to learn about?

I used to be a professional magician. I still have some tricks up my sleeve that could make an appearance at some point.

What does your family think about this next chapter, and what are you looking forward to most about joining the Virginia Tech community?

This feels like the perfect time for a new adventure. My wife and I are about to become empty nesters after raising our two sons for nearly 30 years, so we're excited to put down new roots together. We're looking forward to becoming part of the Blacksburg community and to experiencing Hokie traditions together.