Dickson served as the helm of Tulane athletics for the last 15 years, guiding the Wave through a plethora of ups and downs in his time as athletic director. Most notably, Dickson led Tulane through the devastating season of Hurricane Katrina, when the future of Tulane athletics remained uncertain.
Though he has faced criticism in recent years for the lack of success in several Tulane teams, his legacy stands in his reconstruction of Tulane athletics following the Katrina season.
"Rick has the devotion, respect and love of the Tulane University community," President Mike Fitts said. "Among his many achievements is bringing Green Wave athletics back from the evacuation of 300 student-athletes and the subsequent shutdown of several programs in 2005, to a full complement of 16 teams in 2007.