Dwight holds both a bachelor's degree in mathematics education from North Carolina State University., a master's degree in mathematics from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and a doctorate of philosophy in mathematics education from North Carolina State University.

Dwight is the president of Quality Solutions South, LLC. He currently works as a senior analyst at IsoQuest Consulting Services, Inc., and as a consultant and contractor at User-View, Inc. He previously worked as a mathematics division chairperson and instructor at Surry Community College.

Dwight Atkins currently serves as a Pilot Mountain Town Commissioner. He was elected to that position in 2012, but he left the board in 2014. He was re-elected in 2020 and is serving his first full term. He previously served as the Mayor of Pilot Mountain. He was named to that position in 2014 and served for one term.