Biography

Shannon Hickson serves as the Director of Development and Alumni Relations for the UT School of Information. Hickson is an experienced professional with over 18 years of experience in higher education and the staffing industry. Hickson is an experienced business developer, with demonstrated strength in relationship management, strategy development, and program delivery. As Director of Development and Alumni Relations, Hickson leads the development and expansion of philanthropic programs and initiatives. Hickson's priorities include: cultivating transformative relationships and nurturing existing partnerships while sharing the Texas iSchool value proposition and diversifying the portfolio of gifts and engagement opportunities to achieve fundraising objectives.

Prior to joining the School of Information, Hickson's last role was at the UT McCombs School of Business as Director of BBA Employer Relations and Recruitment Services where, she partnered with employers to create and execute recruitment strategies for full-time and internship opportunities in a variety of industries and functional areas. Hickson also provided guidance on company branding, involvement opportunities and led fundraising activities. Prior to this role, Hickson was Assistant Director of Working Professional MBA Career Management at the McCombs School of Business. Before her eleven years at the McCombs School of Business, Hickson gained eight years industry experience at Adecco Employment Services, one of the world's largest staffing firms, where she held several progressive roles from Recruiter to Branch Manager, honing her sales and relationship management skills. Hickson started her professional career with the Texas Workforce Commission.

Degrees

Bachelor of Arts in Counseling and Guidance, Texas A&M University-Commerce;
Master of Business Administration, St. Edward's University