Hope Kiwanis Hears From Robin Hickerson, Director of Institutional Advancement at UAHT

The Hope Kiwanis Club heard from UAHT’s new Director of Institutional Advancement Robin Hickerson on Tuesday October 17th.  Hickerson comes to UAHT after a 34 year career in public education in Texarkana that started in the classroom and ended as an Assistant Superintendent.  In her new position, Hickerson will also head of the UAHT Foundation according to Kiwanian and Foundation Chair Dennis Ramsey who introduced Hickerson.

In talking about the UAHT Foundation, Hickerson noted it has recently received a nearly $200,000 gift.

Hickerson noted she had recently attended the United Way Gala in Hope and has been very impressed by the community’s love of and pride in the college.

Hickerson talked about one of the signature events stated by the UAHT Foundation annually, the “Beads, Bags, and Bangles” event.  She said the tentative date will be February 29th.  Hickerson said it will probably be at Hempstead Hall and they are working on a theme for the 2024 event.

Goals were discussed for the college by Hickerson.  She notes they want to grow both campuses and the “Hempstead Gurantee” is going to help the Hope campus.  She noted this initiative will allow qualified graduates from any school in Hempstead County to attend their first year of college free at UAHT.  Hickerson said they want UAHT to be the starting place for as many students as possible.

Hickerson talked about how the college engages partners such as area industries.  In particular, she noted the college has been in talks with the owners of the new lithium plant scheduled for construction in Lafayette County and how the college can help to provide training for the employees.

The Kiwanians enjoyed hearing from Hickerson and several stayed around after the meeting to visit with her.