Introducing Senior Directors of Academic Advising and Career Coaching

Cyri Dixon, MPA
Senior Director of Academic Advising and Career Coaching – Region A

With several years of experience in academic advising, student affairs, and education, Cyri Dixon has directed advising for multiple colleges, spearheaded curriculum redesigns, and created standardized practices through the LAS Advising Hub.

A first-generation college graduate from a rural area, Dixon is passionate about removing barriers and building systems that empower advisors while fostering meaningful student connections. Her background in K–12 education, student affairs, and non-profits adds depth to her approach, combining data-informed strategy with human-centered care. Dixon holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Sciences Composite Teaching from Utah State University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Utah.

Dixon will lead the integrated academic advising and career coaching ecosystem of Region A—across the Colleges of Social & Behavioral Science, Humanities, and Science, and School for Cultural and Social Transformation. 

Hilary Flanagan
, MEd
Senior Director of Academic Advising and Career Coaching – Region B

Hilary Flanagan is an enthusiastic higher education leader with over 20 years of experience leading dynamic career development and advising teams, keeping student success and wellness at the center.

A U.S. Coast Guard Academy graduate and military veteran, she brings strategic vision, warmth, and a genuine enthusiasm for engaging fully in campus and community life.

Flanagan will serve as Senior Director for Region B—providing institution-wide leadership for integrated advising and career coaching efforts for the College of Engineering and School of Business.

Liz Leckie
, PhD
Senior Director of Academic Advising and Career Coaching – Region C

Liz Leckie joined the University of Utah in 1999 and has served in academic advising leadership roles since 2002. Most recently, she was associate dean for Undergraduate Student Affairs in the College of Fine Arts, where she led undergraduate student services including advising, enrollment and curricular management, and student leadership. She has also held administrative roles in the Colleges of Humanities, Nursing, and University College Advising.

In 2025, Leckie received the NACADA Global Award for Outstanding Academic Advising Administrator and has earned multiple University-level honors recognizing her commitment to student success. She currently chairs the Academic Advising Standards Council and serves as an ex officio advising representative on the Undergraduate Council. Leckie holds a PhD in Communication from the University of Utah, and her scholarship focuses on appreciative advising, cultural competence, and career preparation for arts and humanities students.

Leckie joins the Vice Provost for Student Success team as Senior Director for Region C, which includes the Colleges of Architecture + Planning, Education, Fine Arts, Health, Nursing and Social Work, Exploring and Pre-Professional Advising within Undergraduate Studies, the Division of Medical Laboratory Sciences, and the Utah Asia Campus.