Tower Winter/Spring 2024 - 8

/// TEAM CHAMP
A BULLDOG
& A BELIEVER
Johnnie Hicks may be new to
his recruiting position at Thaddeus
Stevens College, but he is far from
a new face on campus. As newly
minted head coach for the College's
football program, after serving as
assistant head coach, Johnnie is a
force of encouragement and
support for students.
" When you talk to
the people who
went to Stevens,
one of the main
things they say
is, 'It changed
my life.' "
- Johnnie Hicks
" The game of football translates
in life because you make a plan,
then you go out and try to execute
the plan, and when it doesn't go
your way, I teach them to adapt,
adjust, and overcome, " Johnnie
said. " I want these students to be
successful on and off the field. "
Throughout his coaching tenure,
Johnnie was regularly immersed
7 : Tower Magazine
in the College's mission to provide
opportunity and access to education
for those who may not otherwise
have that doorway open to them.
" When you talk to the people
who went to Stevens, one of
the main things they say is, 'It
changed my life,' " Johnnie said.
Drawn to the College's overarching
sense of purpose, he saw how
much of an impact the education
from Thaddeus Stevens College
was having. In light of that, Johnnie
sought out new responsibilities to
deepen his involvement with the
school. As the College's enrollment
continues to grow, the admissions
team needs quality recruiters
to come alongside prospective
students and their families.
As a recruiter, each day is different
for Johnnie. He travels across the
Commonwealth, visiting high schools
and vocational schools to share the
opportunities available to students
if they continue their education at
Thaddeus Stevens College. Many days
start with a meeting or presentation
and end with a career fair where he
interacts with prospective students.
" I love getting the chance to get
around to the different areas of
the state and talk to the kids and
see what they are interested in.
After they listen to what I say about
Thaddeus, it actually sparks some
interest; just getting our name out
there is awesome, " Johnnie said.
From Johnnie's point of view, the most
significant barrier to education is a lack
of awareness or knowledge of what
resources are available to students
and their families as they begin their
journey in post-secondary education.
He is intentional about interacting
with prospective students, answering
questions, and expressing genuine
interest in what they hope to achieve.
When it comes to balancing his role
as a recruiter for the College and
as a leader of the campus football
team, Johnnie says the sacrifices he
has needed to make are worth it.
" I've put in a lot of hours, but I don't
mind because I feel as though I'm
helping the kids and helping the
school. It's all positive, " he said.
In the end, Johnnie is passionate about
raising awareness of what Thaddeus
Stevens College offers and how
Thaddeus Stevens' legacy continues
to shape the growth and excellence
of future generations of Bulldogs.
Tower Winter/Spring 2024

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