Murray State College named Tracey Hickman as its new Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs.

In his new role, Hickman will collaborate closely with faculty, academic deans and student services divisions to enhance the quality of Murray State’s academic programs, elevate instructional excellence and champion innovation across all areas of teaching and learning.

“Tracey has served as our Dean of Learning and Student Success for the past two years,” said Becky Henthorn, Murray State College Provost. “He’s led our Academic Resource Center with dedication, innovation and a steadfast commitment to student achievement. Tracey’s collaborative leadership has strengthened our academic support services and advanced key student success initiatives.”

He will also take on a leadership role in accreditation and ongoing improvement efforts, ensuring that Murray State remains well-positioned for future growth.

“I’m excited to build on the progress and growth we’ve achieved at Murray State in recent years,” Hickman said. “I look forward to working closely with our students, faculty and staff and to continuing the strong tradition of support and leadership that has long defined our academic affairs.”

Hickman founded and has led Murray State’s Academic Team since 2022, where they have placed fourth, third and second consecutively at the national level. In 2025, the college became the first to have three teams in the top eight at a national championship. Murray State is also the first since 2014 to have two teams in the top four and win a trophy at the national championship.

In July 2024, the Partnership for Academic Competition Excellence named Hickman the Benjamin Cooper Academic Ambassador, making him one of only 25 people to receive the international award.

Hickman earned his associates degree in English and journalism from Redlands Community College and a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Central Oklahoma. He also obtained a Master of Education in English Curriculum and Instruction and a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership and Management, both from Southeastern Oklahoma State University.

“Murray State is fortunate to have Dean Hickman willing to step up and stretch and grow into a role that is often not as recognized as it should be for how much it is a key to the success of the entire academic enterprise,” said Dr. Tim Faltyn, Murray State College President. “His experience managing our Academic Resource Center, guiding institutional assessment and supporting student achievement uniquely equips him to help lead Murray State College into its next phase of growth.”