Pres. Alton L. Wade

Served as President 1980 - 1986

Enrollment: 1790 to 2191 students

The magic of Alton Wade was that he communicated well with everyone and will forever be remembered for his magnetic personality, positive attitude and administrative expertise. With clear vision and a keen sense of humor, he became the essence of the Dixie Spirit."

A man who 'caught the vision' of the Dixie Center and as chairman and executive director of the Dixie Center Administrative Control Board, he skillfully moved the concept into reality, with a ground-breaking on April 2, 1985. The Center has been called a prototype of similar ventures soon to become nationwide.

Dr. Wade became the first president to see a Dixie College athletic team win a national championship when the Rebels defeated Kankakee College of Illinois 57-55 on March 23, 1985, in Hutchinson, Kansas, to become the national (NJCAA) basketball champions.

Computerization was introduced across campus under President Wade's administration, and the Hansen Football Stadium/Track and Dixie Bell Tennis Courts were built.