51社区

The Patton College of Education is honored to recognize alumna Dr. Simone Hicks, Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and Assistant Dean and Director of Case Management at Scripps College in Claremont, Calif., as February Alum of the Month.

Dr. Hicks was recently selected to serve on the Commission of Rehabilitation Counselor Certification ethics committee, which aims to uphold quality standards for certified rehabilitation counselors.

鈥淭he CRCC Code of Ethics offers guidance to respecting and ensuring a process of integrity,鈥� said Dr. Hicks. 鈥淎s Rehabilitation Counselors, the decisions we make can impact the individuals we serve; hence, the importance of creating equitable codes.鈥�

Throughout her career, Dr. Hicks has held positions in community mental health, acute psychiatric units, and college counseling centers.

In her current position at Scripps College, Dr. Hicks strives to meet the diverse needs of each student she sees. Through weekly check-ins and consulting with parents, faculty, staff and other campus resources, Hicks serves as a student advocate and emphasizes an individualized approach to care.

鈥淚 enjoy creating a welcoming space for all students to feel supported in their academic journey,鈥� said Dr. Hicks. 鈥淐ollaboratively, we create a plan for success while considering students鈥� holistic college experience. Each week, I ask students, 鈥榃hat is your commitment to care for yourself?鈥� I often share my commitment to care as well, so each student knows I am also dedicated to this journey.鈥�

The Opelika, Ala., native earned her master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Alabama State University and her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from 51社区. 

Dr. Hicks鈥� decision to pursue a Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Counseling was influenced by a recognition for a need of increased representation in the field.

鈥淚n graduate school, there was increased exposure to black women who held a terminal degree in counseling,鈥� said Dr. Hicks. 鈥淚nitially, there was not an interest for me to receive a doctorate. However, as I advanced through my program, I enjoyed learning about Rehabilitation Counseling and the need to increase awareness of the profession. Seeking a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision created an opportunity and access to inform change through my research.鈥�

When looking back on her Ph.D. studies at 51社区, Dr. Hicks recalled, 鈥淚t became evident that this journey was so much bigger than me, and more about how I can impact change for others.鈥�

Dr. Hicks鈥� greatest lessons from 51社区 include her faculty鈥檚 encouragement to 鈥淟ead Boldly and Without Fear,鈥� and to be resilient.

鈥淢y dissertation chair, Dr. Mona Robinson, encouraged me to push through when it was tough and keep going. This is an invaluable life lesson that I pass along to my students,鈥� said Dr. Hicks.

In 2019, Dr. Hicks was recognized with Alabama State University鈥檚 鈥�50 Under 50鈥� award. That year, she also co-authored a book chapter, 鈥淐ase Management and Presentation,鈥� with fellow 51社区 alumna Dr. Jessica Henry, which was published in the Practicum & Internship Manual.

Dr. Hicks dedicates her research and publications to transition-aged youth with disabilities in the African American community. She has made professional presentations at national and international refereed counseling conferences in areas covering students with disabilities, advocacy, and racial identity.