School of Social Sciences and Education gets new associate dean

Dr. Theresa Hickey starts new career journey at CSUB

By California State University, Bakersfield

August 8^th, 2023

Dr. Theresa Hickey always enjoys a challenge. This time around, that means leaving her home state of Washington to start a new career in higher education at California State University, Bakersfield.

The university has appointed Dr. Hickey as the new associate dean for the School of Social Sciences and Education, taking over the position from Dr. Deedee Perez-Granados. Dr. Hickey assumed the role last month.

“I truly am excited to be here,” she said. “I’m grateful to be part of CSUB. It’s an honor and a privilege. I’m looking forward to serving students and the community.”

Dr. Hickey previously worked at Saint Martin’s University in Washington, a private Catholic school where she served in several roles over the course of five years, including most recently as dean of the College of Education and Counseling.

She also has many years of experience supporting both K-12 and college-level learners, including teaching and leading in the areas of English, mathematics, teacher preparation and leadership.

Dr. Hickey received her bachelor’s in English and master’s in English and American Literature from Marquette University. She also has a master’s in teaching and a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from Seattle Pacific University, with a focus on statistics education.

A big part of why Dr. Hickey wanted to come to CSUB was because she said it would give her a chance to work with a larger, more diverse student population. Dr. Hickey was drawn to the fact that CSUB is an institution committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and that it serves students who are committed to their education.

“For me, it’s a step forward in my ability to serve a greater number of students and have a greater impact in the work that I do,” she said. “I came from a very small school, so the equity work I can do here is on a larger scale, and that is exciting to me.”

Dr. Hickey also appreciates the university’s integration with the local community and its impact on the larger Valley region.

“It seems that there is a real synergy between the community and the university, and that connection is not only important for educational reasons, but it has vital implications for future economic, social and personal growth,” she said.

While Dr. Hickey is still transitioning to her new position, she already has some areas in mind that she is excited to learn more about and support, including the current university efforts to address enrollment gaps and completion rates as well as expand educational access and opportunity for students.

“My hope is that I can be fully attentive to the needs of the students and the communities that I’m serving and be an excellent partner in creating innovative and transformative solutions,” she said. “I’m grateful to be part of CSUB and working together on a shared mission.”

Dr. Hickey is excited to get started on that work. However, her immediate concerns are learning the inner workings of the School of Social Sciences and Education and getting to know the wider campus community.

“I’m excited to contribute, but right now I’m trying to figure out the best ways to do that,” she said. “A lot of my role right now is listening and learning how to be responsive to the needs of this campus. Every school is different. Some needs are present and understood and others are emergent. I want to learn quickly so I can navigate and support students and my fellow colleagues.”

Dr. Hickey has only been on campus for a few weeks, but she said she’s already enjoyed getting to explore the campus and interact with students, faculty and staff. She is excited for the start of the fall semester and the chance to work with more students.

“I can’t wait to meet more people. Everyone I’ve met so far has been welcoming,” she said. “I’m thrilled to be here for the start of the new year. I love that experience, that excitement and palpable energy.”

Coming to CSUB has been a big adjustment for Dr. Hickey, who has left a lot of family and friends behind in Washington. However, she said she likes to take big risks.

“I’m a person who likes to continue to grow and learn. I’m naturally curious. When I know that I’ve reached a limit in one space, I like to look for the next, and this was a great opportunity for me. This is a big change, but I find it exciting.”