Profiles of Members of the Native-American Community at EPA

Curtis Hicks, Environmental Protection Specialist
Office of Environmental Justice and Tribal Affairs
Dallas, Texas

Where were you born?

Talihina, Oklahoma

What is your tribal affiliation?

Muscogee Creek

What brought you to EPA?

I worked 15 years within three different tribal governments. While I wanted to make a career change, I also wanted to continue working with tribal organizations in some capacity.  An old college friend told me about a vacancy in EPA. It has been a positive learning experience. I feel very fortunate to continue working with tribal organizations.   

Describe the type of work you do at EPA.

I work in grants management and also have tribal liaison duties.  I work with the General Assistance Program grant and am assigned to work with 16 Oklahoma tribes.

Did you go to vocational school or college? What was your major?

I studied at Bacone Junior College (now a university), where I obtained an associate degree in liberal arts.  From there, I went to Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, where I obtained a bachelor of science in secondary education. I also obtained a master’s of science in secondary education administration from NSU.  In 2012, I obtained a master’s of science in human resources administration from East Central University, Ada, Oklahoma.

What message would you like to send other American Indians/Alaska Natives who are considering college or a career in environmental protection?

I strongly encourage all Native American Indian/Alaska Natives to pursue a college education. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned over the years is that education is the key to obtaining independence, a good job, and a good career.  Education does not have to be at a university, though. A vocational education can also help in reaching these goals.   As a first generation college graduate in my family, I know firsthand that getting an education may be difficult, but very attainable.

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