A multi-sport athlete in soccer, tennis and baseball, Dexter sustained a C6/C7 SCI diving into a sandbar at Beach Haven, New Jersey. The injury left him paralyzed from the chest down with partial arm function and no control of his fingers. He had just graduated high school and planned to attend Lafayette College but deferred a year to navigate medical and legal barriers. Returning to college required extensive coordination involving many entities, but despite these challenges, he embraced campus life at Lafayette.

He joined an a cappella group, became involved with the international student community, and later became the first wheelchair‑using student at Lafayette and the School for International Training to study abroad, completing programs in London and Amsterdam. He also served as a Conversation Partner for incoming international students. Lafayette honored him with the Pepper Prize, recognizing the graduating senior who best represents the college ideal. He graduated with a BA  in Psychology and Art History.

Dexter will attend NYU to pursue an MA in International Education, aiming to expand access for students with disabilities in higher education and study abroad programs.