Perseverance, passion for ABA drives Purdue Global alumna’s comeback

Nicole Richardson Hicks’ relentless zeal for learning, helping others drives her success

Nicole Richardson Hicks remembers times during her childhood when she would line up her stuffed animals or other household items, make them little notes or assignments, and play teacher on her grandparents’ pool table.  

“Education was very important in my family,” Hicks said. “My nana is a professor. My great-grandmother made education a priority growing up.” 

It’s a legacy that Hicks carries in her own journey as well — a journey that didn’t come without trials and setbacks — ultimately culminating in Hicks completing her comeback with Purdue Global.

Hicks, an alumna who served as Purdue Global’s May 2025 Commencement speaker, shared her journey of overcoming challenges, especially as she pursued her college degrees.

“My educational path took many twists and turns,” she said. “Between health issues in my family and the birth of my first child, my goal of earning a degree was met with many challenges. But I was determined to accomplish that goal.

After a series of health struggles and the sudden death of her father, Hicks found Purdue Global. Hicks’ mother, who had worked in the university’s IT department, and grandmother, who served as an adjunct professor, told her about the opportunity to continue her education at Purdue Global.

“My mother also earned her bachelor’s and MBA at the university, so it felt like a natural fit for me,” Hicks said. “In addition, the flexibility of the online learning environment as a working mother made Purdue Global the perfect place for me to finish what I started.”  

Hicks pursued a Master of Science in psychology with a focus on applied behavior analysis (ABA), a field she had long been passionate about.  

“I’ve always enjoyed working with children, especially those who are at risk or behaviorally challenged,” Hicks said.  

Her time at Purdue Global was transformative, particularly her experience with Lisa Phillips — a professor in clinical applications, supervision and management — who introduced her to ABA’s broader applications.  

“Dr. Phillips had the biggest impact on me. She opened my mind to filling a need in our field that I never would have imagined,” Hicks said. “She was a fantastic instructor who gave us lots of real work applications to ABA’s clinical side. She helped me see how I can do more with my credentials and degree.” 

Since graduating in 2021, Hicks has made significant career strides. She currently works at the School District of Palm Beach County in Florida as a school behavioral health professional and founded her own business, Rays of Behavior Consulting LLC. Through her work, Hicks bridges the gap between the practices of mental health and ABA, offering a holistic approach to behavior management.

The work doesn’t end at graduation — it just begins

Nicole Richardson Hicks

MS psychology, Purdue Global ’21 
May 2025 Commencement speaker

“Behavior is everywhere. My goal is to increase individual and family wellness through positive interactions and relationship-building skills,” she said.  

While Hicks’ professional accomplishments are fulfilling and meaningful, her personal journey is equally inspiring.  

“I got to a point where I chose not to give up,” Hicks said. “I could have just stopped long ago, but I had a daughter to take care of and she was my priority. I did it for her and me.”  

Hicks’ comeback is rooted in the belief that no matter the challenges, we control how we respond. “It’s when you rise when people least expect you to that major growth happens,” she said. “That’s divine. My unwavering faith is how I was able to overcome it.” 

During her commencement speech, Hicks encouraged graduates to embrace their individual journeys. 

“The work doesn’t end at graduation; it just begins,” Hicks said. “Sometimes we don’t realize how important growth is. So it’s OK to not ‘be the same.’ You are a different level of you, and there’s nothing wrong with that.” 

Hicks also encouraged graduates to believe in themselves.  

“We can do and be anything we want to be,” Hicks said. “The longer we wait, the more we tell ourselves it’s too late, I’m not qualified enough or it will never happen. The longer we wait, the longer others have to wait. And the world needs you.”  

Hicks knows this from her own experience. The waiting and obstacles she overcame resonate with many, as well as the bold decision to earn her degree at Purdue Global and launch her business to complete her comeback. 

“Now it’s your turn. It’s 2025. There’s no more waiting. There are no more excuses. It is time for action, and that time is now,” Hicks said. 

Her mission of lifelong learning continues. She plans to grow her business, expanding her reach from individuals to families and from small businesses to corporations.

“I want to continue growing and flourishing as an individual. I don’t believe in limitations. I truly believe I can have it all,” she said. “If all I do is improve the ability for individuals to live a better life through positive relationships and interactions, improving their self-talk and self-worth, and living a life filled with joy, then I have done what God has led me to do.” 

Hicks is focused on creating an independent lifestyle for herself, her husband and their three children. She hopes her story is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when one refuses to give up and pushes through obstacles.  

“Your time is now. Don’t be afraid to go big in what drives you,” Hicks said. “You are unstoppable. You are capable and, most of all, you are more.”