Dr. Tana Hicks

Associate Executive Director

Dr. Tana J. Hicks serves as the associate executive director of the Texas Talent Accelerator at the University of North Texas and previously served as deputy chief of economic opportunity at Dallas College.

In her role at Dallas College, Dr. Hicks led cross-functional teams spanning labor market intelligence, employer engagement, and federally funded workforce initiatives, strengthening data-informed decision-making and regional sector alignment. Her leadership is further grounded in extensive teaching experience at the University of North Texas, Collin College, and Texas Tech University, which informs her systems-level work with a deep understanding of student experience, learning outcomes, and equity in higher education.

In 2025, Dr. Hicks was selected to participate in D CEO Magazine’s Emerging Women Leaders Network, recognizing women making significant impact in their fields. She has shared her expertise nationally through presentations with the U.S. Department of Education, the Bellwether Education Partners Consortium, and Achieving the Dream, and she continues to champion data, equity, and collaboration as essential tools for systems change.

Dr. Hicks holds a Ph.D. in African American Literature from the University of North Texas and earned both a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and a Master of Arts in English from Texas Tech University.