Dr. Thad Hicks
Professor of Emergency Management & Criminal Justice
Contact Information
School of Natural and Social SciencesGPS Program Coordinator for Public Administration
740-392-6868 Ext. 3712Email Dr. Hicks
In The News
MVNU’s new online criminal justice program takes restorative approach to policing
MOUNT VERNON, Ohio (Feb. 8, 2021) — An innovative approach to the study of criminal justice has been launched by Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s School of Graduate and Professional Studies. The new bachelor’s degree program mixes on-line learning with real-life exposure while incorporating restorative justice thought processes into careers like law enforcement, corrections, probation, investigation and more.
Professional Experience
- GPS Program Coordinator for Public Administration, Mount Vernon Nazarene University, 2020-present
- Professor of Emergency Management & Criminal Justice, Mount Vernon Nazarene University, 2020-present
- Professor of Emergency Management and Program Director, Ohio Christian University, 2018 – 2020
- Associate Professor of Emergency Management, Ohio Christian University, 2016
- Assistant Professor of Emergency and Disaster Management, Ohio Christian University, 2013
- Graduate Teaching Assistant in Political Science, Kent State University, 2008
- Graduate Research Assistant, Eastern Mennonite University, 2006
Professional Organizations
- International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM)
- Ohio Emergency Management Association (OEMA)
Awards and Recognitions
- Master Exercise Practitioner - Federal Emergency Management Agency
- Ohio Certified Emergency Manager Certification - Ohio Emergency Management Association
- Certified Emergency Manager Certification - International Association of Emergency Management
- Six Sigma Green Belt Certified - Management and Strategy Institute
- Program Management, Lean Process - Management and Strategy Institute
Published Works & Presentations
- Freitag B., Hicks T., Jerolleman A., and Walsh W. "Storytelling-Plots of Resilience, Learning, and Discovery in Emergency Management." Journal of Emergency Management (Weston, Mass.), 31 Aug 2020, 18(5):363-371 DOI: 10.5055/jem.2020.0485 PMID: 33174190
- Storytelling – Plots of Resilience, Learning & Discovery in Emergency Management, Journal of Emergency Management, Fall 2020
- Emergency Exercises, Ohio EMA College & University Workshop, April. 2019
- Ohio Emergency Management Association, College and University Emergency Management Workshop, Dublin, Ohio
- Crisis Storytelling, The Salvation Army’s 2019
- Emergency Disaster Services Director Meeting. Eastern Territorial Headquarters, West Nyack, NY
- Developing Teams in the Non-Profit Context, 2018 International Association of Emergency Managers, Grand Rapids, MI
Last updated on 9/15/2022.
- Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies, Asbury Theological Seminary, Wilmore, KY (2014)
- M.A. in Conflict Transformation, Restorative Justice, Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, VA (2008)
- B.S. in Criminology, Ashland University, Ashland, Ohio (2001)
- Ohio Police Officer Certification, Cleveland Heights Police Academy, Cleveland Heights, Ohio (1998)