Influential Woman · Retired Marathoner over 60
Crystal Dixon
Program Coordinator for the Office of Undergraduate Research at Princeton University, Princeton University (Retired)
Voorhees, NJ
Her Story
About Crystal
I retired from Princeton University in April of 2023 after working there for 18 years in multiple roles. I started in admissions for the graduate school in 2003, then moved to the registrar's office, the president's office, became the grad administrator for the Department of French and Italian, and ended as program coordinator for the Office of Undergraduate Research. I graduated from Geneva College with a Bachelor of Arts and previously managed a mental health practice in Philadelphia for 10 years. After retiring, I have focused on running, completing my 10th marathon in April, having started long-distance running at age 53.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Crystal
01What do you attribute your success to?
My success I attribute to God and my faith, and my mother who was a single mom that raised five girls and made sure we all went to college despite not graduating high school herself.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Be flexible. Although we may have policies and procedures, there are always exceptions, workarounds, and roadblocks where you have to find another way to do something. That advice helped me become the problem solver I am today.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Get your education, go back for your master's if you can, find a mentor, build a network, and don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone even if you don't think you're good at something yet.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
In administrative work at universities, people are expected to do the job of three or four people because positions are not being refilled due to funding cuts, leaving remaining staff with increased responsibilities.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity and fairness. I believe in keeping my word, looking out for the underdog, and speaking up if something is not fair or if someone is being treated inappropriately.
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