Dr. Malinda Hicks has been awarded UTD’s 2024 Undergraduate Academic Advisor of the Year!
She has been recognized by the university for her exceptional performance and unwavering dedication in advising undergraduate students. Get to know more about one of EPPS’ outstanding advisors and discover the passion and expertise she brings to her role!
Please tell us a little bit about yourself.
I completed an AA degree at Collin (2003) and then finished 3 degrees at UTD: BA in Sociology (2005), an MS in Applied Sociology (2007), and a PhD in Public Policy & Political Economy (2013). During that time I worked as an intern for Parkland Hospital’s AIDS Education and Training Center, as well as a mental health pilot project with the University of Illinois-Chicago. Then I took a job with the Office of Inspector General, Office of Evaluation & Inspection, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (2011-2017). After that, I was fortunate to be hired as an Academic Advisor back at my old stomping grounds, EPPS!
What inspires you?
I think what inspires me is helping students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds persist in achieving their educational goals. Sometimes these students are not exactly disadvantaged, but maybe they hit some rocky points in their journey, and they have lost confidence in themselves. Helping them get back up and keep persisting to the finish line just gives me great satisfaction.
What advice would you give to students?
I think the advice I would give incoming students is:
1. Check your email, check your email, CHECK YOUR EMAIL!!!
2. Make regular appointments with your advisor! Sometimes rules/policies change and we can help you avoid these pitfalls!
3. Take some classes that are not strictly within your degree plan—maybe a music or art class, or creative writing, or something that takes your mind to a new and unexplored place. Education is NOT all about grinding it out to get a job, really! Life’s short, eat dessert first 😊
Any fun facts?
1. I am married to a wonderful man, David, and we have between us 5 adult children and 9 grandchildren. Being a grandma is the greatest gig!
2. I am a quilter—I especially love making baby quilts!
3. No pets currently
4. We like to go on cruises for vacation!
