PATRICIA HICKMAN

Support research-focused faculty through operational and technical documentation, financial administration, and process improvement within a high-tech academic environment.

• Developed and maintained HR and operations content emphasizing clarity and compliance, enhancing accessibility for internal stakeholders.
• Streamlined purchase tracking systems using Excel and SharePoint, resolving backlog issues and aligning records with vendor obligations.
• Collaborated cross-functionally to process faculty financial requests and process reimbursements through Workday Financials.
• Support graduate student hiring and onboarding using Gradworks and internal communications tools.
• Facilitated communication and alignment across teams via Google Workspace and Microsoft Teams.
• Initiated and developed concise how-to presentations to train graduate students on key reporting processes, resulting in improved departmental workflows and earning commendation from department leadership, faculty, students, and peers.

Independent author and content creator with 17 published books and a portfolio of multimedia collateral. Partnered with editors, designers, and clients to develop clear, compelling stories for print and digital platforms — from blog posts and social content to pitch decks and launch campaigns. Known for adapting voice to brand needs and making complex ideas approachable.

• Established a personal brand through social media engagement, building a loyal readership community.
• Developed captivating storylines and characters, resulting in increased book sales and positive reader feedback.
• Achieved a positive work-life balance by setting realistic goals, managing time efficiently, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
• Led writer's workshops and conferences, honing skills and networking with other industry professionals.
• Edited and proofread drafts of articles and other documents.

North Carolina State University - Raleigh, NC,11/2015 - 09/2016

Directed strategic communications and marketing initiatives for a high-profile division under the Associate Vice Chancellor. Led digital transformation of internal and external messaging, strengthening brand identity and cross-team engagement through content creation, stakeholder alignment, and public-facing media.

Selected Leadership and Team Accomplishments:

• Developed and launched two digital-first, multi-channel newsletters, replacing static communications with dynamic storytelling and stronger community engagement.

• Wrote, edited, and published a wide range of content—from executive communications to social media campaigns—tailored to technical and non-technical audiences.

• Scripted and produced DSLR video content and photography for executive speeches, including crafting presentations and multimedia support for high-level stakeholders.

• Spearheaded strategic planning initiatives by facilitating cross-functional collaboration, designing staff surveys, and creating materials to support organizational alignment.

Managed state-level communications, supporting technology adoption and multi-channel stakeholder outreach for over 900,000 users.

• Liaised with leaders and Public Information Officers (PIOs) to coordinate complex software rollout communications using AP style and DPI guidelines.
• Developed webinars, quick reference guides, web content, presentations, and videos.
• Provided editorial feedback and content reviews to contributors.
• Oversaw social media, SEO/SEM strategies, and analytics tracking to optimize outreach efforts.
• Maintained event calendars and produced bi-weekly newsletters across multiple communications channels.
• Login Owner of the DPI State Publishing Desk using versioning programs and a vault system for documentation.

• Achievements: Four Romantic Times Gold Medallion Awards, Two Silver Angel Awards for Excellence in Media
• Authored 17 traditionally published novels spanning internationally distributed fiction and genre crossover, earning international recognition.
• Collaborated with editorial, design, and marketing teams at top-tier publishing houses to develop high-impact, deadline-driven content.
• Promoted titles through nationwide tours, media appearances, and platform-building strategies, including blogging, newsletters, and social media.
• Demonstrated long-term project management, audience engagement, and storytelling expertise across multiple platforms.
• Reviewed regularly through critical review periodicals like Publishers' Weekly and Library Journal.

• Honoree Scholarship for High Accomplishments in the Field of Publishing
• 2 theses published by major publishers