Travis L. Dixon Scholar of Media, Race & Communication
David L. Swanson Professor of Communication & Director of Graduate Studies, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. ICA Fellow 2019.
David L. Swanson Professor of Communication & Director of Graduate Studies, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. ICA Fellow 2019.
Years of Research
Peer-reviewed Publications
Editorial Boards
Major Research Grants
For over two decades, Prof. Dixon has pursued a focused research agenda at the intersection of media, race, and public communication — producing findings that matter for policy and society.
How racial stereotypes are constructed and amplified through television news, social media, and digital platforms.
How exposure to mediated content shapes social perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors of diverse audiences.
The intersection of news framing, police-community relations, and systemic racial inequity in public discourse.
Emerging research on how social platforms, algorithms, and online news environments perpetuate or challenge racial bias.
Professor Travis L. Dixon is the David L. Swanson Professor of Communication and Director of Graduate Studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He is a leading media effects scholar who has spent over two decades studying how racial stereotypes in mass media shape the minds of everyday audiences.
In 2019, he became the first African American scholar inducted as a Fellow of the International Communication Association (ICA) — the highest honor in the communication discipline.
David L. Swanson Professor of Communication & Director of Graduate Studies, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Prof. Dixon's research has appeared in the most prestigious journals in the communication field and has been cited in national policy discussions on race, media, and policing. His work bridges rigorous empirical scholarship and real-world impact.
He earned his Ph.D. from the University of California, Santa Barbara and held faculty positions at the University of Michigan, the University of Illinois and UCLA. He currently works at the University of Illinois, where he was recently named David L. Swanson Professor — one of the most distinguished named chairs in the college.
Dr. Dixon’s research excellence is well established; anyone in media stereotyping knows his foundational contributions. What sets Travis apart is his human-centered mentorship: he provides rigorous training while helping students persist through the challenges of graduate work. He helped me cross the finish line and continues to counsel me today, which is why I have happily sent students to Illinois and am proud that one of my mentees has joined his academic family.
Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies, University of Missouri
Working with Dr. Dixon as both my dissertation chair and academic advisor was one of the most valuable parts of my doctoral journey. He consistently challenged me to think more critically while providing the guidance, encouragement, and honest feedback I needed to grow as a scholar. His mentorship struck the perfect balance between high expectations and unwavering support, and I am a stronger researcher, educator, and professional because of his investment in my success.
Ph.D. - University of Illinois 2026
The latest peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and media appearances from Prof. Dixon's ongoing research program.
