THADDEUS D. HICKS
Director
Disaster Management Program
Ohio Christian University
Circleville, Ohio
Mr. Thaddeus D. Hicks is the Director of the Ohio Christian University’s (OCU’s) Disaster Management Program. He has worked in disaster relief with The Salvation Army for the past 13 years, where he had many opportunities to experience disasters first hand including international situations. He has conducted trainings in several countries around the world including two separate trips to post-earthquake Haiti. In addition, Mr. Hicks has consulted with international non-profits in the areas of conflict resolution and program design. In his faculty role at OCU, he teaches a number of courses including Introduction to Disaster Management, Terrorism, Conflict Studies, and The Politics of Disasters.
Mr. Hicks holds an M.A. in conflict transformation and is currently working on his Ph.D. He is a member of numerous relief organizations and is a Certified Emergency Disaster Services Trainer with The Salvation Army.
In 2008, OCU began researching the possibility of offering an Emergency Management bachelor’s degree. This process continued until April 2009, when OCU hired Mr. Hicks to head this process. OCU charged him with the development and implementation of an Emergency Management bachelor’s degree program. After 10 months of writing courses and developing curriculum, the first courses were offered in January of this year. The new program had an initial enrollment of 6 people, but as of June this year, the program has grown to more than 21 students with no signs of slowing down. OCU is developing into a well-rounded, cutting-edge training facility for faith-based and non-faith-based organizations wishing to receive an education, both practical and theoretical, in the emergency management field.
The OCU Disaster Management and Relief Program is designed to develop leadership abilities in management, to be utilized in all types of disaster situations, emphasizing Christ-like service to those in need. Graduates of this program will be trained to serve all stages of human suffering from immediate relief through community rebuilding and redevelopment.
June 3, 2010