The School of Information at the University of Texas at Austin is pleased to announce that Shannon Hickson will be joining the iSchool as Director of Development and Alumni Relations beginning July 8, 2019.
Hickson comes to us from the McCombs School of Business where for the past three years she has served as Director of Employer Relations & Recruitment Services for BBA Career Services.
Prior to this role, Hickson was Assistant Director of Employer Relations at McCombs School of Business – BBA Career Services program for three years and Assistant Director of Working Professional Career Management at McCombs School of Business – MBA Career Management program for four years.
Before her eleven years at McCombs School of Business, Hickson gained eight years’ industry experience at Adecco Employment Services where she held several progressive roles from Recruiter to Branch Manager, honing her sales and relationship management skills.
Currently a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Hickson has served as Ways & Means Chair for the Austin Alumnae Chapter for four years. She is experienced developing and executing fundraising strategy to raise funds towards scholarships and educational opportunities for underrepresented minority students in the Austin Metro area. I look forward to collaborating with key constituents and drawing from my experience cultivating corporate alliances.
In 2011, Hickson was named Diversity CHAMPION Award Recipient by Texas Diversity Council. In 2015, she received the Staff Excellence Award for outstanding service to McCombs constituents. And in 2017, Hickson was an Honoree in the Achievements in Black Austin Inaugural Edition.
Last year, Hickson was nominated by President Fenves, McCombs School of Business Dean Jay Hartzell, and BBA Program Dean David Platt for the Leadership Women program (Texas class of 2019). She has a Master of Business Administration in Business Management from St. Edwards University and a Bachelor of Science in Counseling and Guidance from Texas A & M University at Commerce.
Hickson will take over from Cassie Alvarado (now director at the Steve Hicks School of Social Work), whose successes in philanthropy at the iSchool over the last 11 years have set the stage for her successor to thrive.
“The School of Information at the University of Texas at Austin is a global leader in the iSchool movement, and I am excited to work with and represent the dynamic faculty, talented students, and dedicated staff that contribute to the success of the iSchool,” said Hickson.
“Shannon will be helping us to develop new philanthropic programs and goals,” said Dean Eric T. Meyer announcing Hickson’s appointment. “She emerged from a strong pool of applicants, and impressed us all with her passion and professionalism. We are looking forward to her joining the iSchool community and helping communicate our message.”
Hickson says she is eager to develop transformative relationships and continue nurturing existing partnerships. “As Director of Development and Alumni Relations, I look forward to collaborating with key constituents and drawing from my experience cultivating corporate alliances. My priority is to diversify and maximize the portfolio of gifts and engagement opportunities in order to achieve fundraising targets. Information touches every aspect of society, thus creating endless development opportunities for the iSchool. I can’t wait to get started on July 8!”
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