The Gift of Gab: JSU alum earns Dynamic Leadership 1 honor from Toastmasters International

(JACKSON, Miss.) — Jackson State University alumnus Derrick Hicks has earned the status of Dynamic Leadership 1 from Toastmasters International.

Toastmasters is the U.S. headquartered nonprofit educational organization that operates clubs worldwide for the purpose of promoting communication, public speaking and leadership.

Recently, Hicks completed his master’s degree in public policy and administration from JSU. He credits his academic program for assisting him with this Toastmasters honor.

“Honestly, I feel as if Toastmasters International was only a part of my process. Earning a MPPA degree was more essential to me during this process,” Hicks said. “The program presented me with countless scenarios and created an environment where I had to think critically about decisions and their short and long-term impacts while being analyzed by seasoned professionals. This was more valuable in my growth process.”

He emphasized that JSU has a Toastmaster club on campus available for students. The club is managed by Dr. Ester Stokes who is a professor in the Department of Public Policy and Administration. Individuals who are interested should contact Dr. Stokes at ester.w.stokes@jsums.edu.