Janice Hicks is a deputy director of education grantmaking. In this role she oversees strategic grantmaking pipelines and supports program officers in the Remove Structural Barriers to Success and Expand Postsecondary Education in Prison focus areas. She joined the organization in 2023.
Prior to joining Ascendium, Janice served as the vice president of institutional effectiveness at Odessa College. She played a key role in advancing the institution's mission by leading strategic planning, regional accreditation efforts, research, evaluation, and data-driven support for college-wide initiatives. She has also served in various leadership capacities at three public universities, a university medical center, and two community colleges.
Originally from Mississippi, Janice earned her Ph.D. in higher education administration from the University of North Texas, focusing on community college leadership and teaching and learning in the academy. She also holds a Master of Science in counseling and student affairs administration from the University of Central Arkansas and a Bachelor of Science in educational psychology from Mississippi State University.
