Jolie Hicks updated profile in May 2026 Department: School of Teaching, Learning & Educational Sciences University: Oklahoma State University Location: Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA My motto: Love God and Love People! I am most thankful for my relationship with Jesus who has blessed me in so many areas of my life. I have the privilege of being a wife, mother, and Gigi. I have been married to my husband Nate since 1997. We have three amazing children (Dylon and our daughter-in-love Micah; Brooklyn and our son-in love Jacob, and Addyson); our four perfect grandchildren keep our hearts full (Nora, JJ, Wilder, and Judah). I enjoy my work as a teacher educator where I get to serve countless students, hoping to let my light shine as I help them reach their full potential and purpose. I strive to love God and love people every day with humility and grace. Brief backstory: I grew up in a broken home (my parents divorced when I was nine years old). Because I had somewhat of a chaotic upbringing, I searched for stability, oftentimes looking for love in all the wrong places. I attempted to get attention through academics and athletic successes, competing in several state-level competitions, such as cross-examination debate, track and field (champion), business law, legal concepts, typing, cheerleading, etc. No matter how much I succeeded, I still felt empty, alone, and unloved. Looking back, I realized that I never even heard about Jesus until I was 13 years old, not having grown up in a Christian home. At the age of 17, a friend invited me to an “Acquire the Fire” event where I knew the Lord spoke to my heart. The message included, “I have called you for more than breathing and taking up space on this earth. I have called you for My plans and My purposes because I love you.” Right then, I surrendered my heart and life to a living God who transformed me through his unconditional love! Now, as a teacher educator, I enjoy providing a supportive environment for my students with joy, hope, and love. Not only do I serve my local students, but the Lord has opened doors of opportunity for me to travel the globe (to places like Africa, Central/South America, Asia), speaking to students, faculty, and school directors about my research/expertise, but also about the privilege and honor of serving others “to unlock possibilities, unleash ambitions[,] and turn big dreams into great deeds” (OSU, 2026). As a first-generation college student from a rural Texas community, I am continuously amazed that God uses me to serve others, to mentor students, and to be an example of how to enjoy your calling, live your purpose, and glorify the Lord in the process. This year, the Lord has placed a word in my heart: Thrive. God did not call us to merely survive, but He wants us to thrive; therefore, I prioritize His Word, prayer, worship, serving others, and listening to His guidance. I pray every day: “Here I am, Lord. Use me as You will.” Oklahoma State University. (2026). Cowboy Code - Oklahoma State University | Oklahoma State University. https://go.okstate.edu/about-osu/traditions/cowboy-code