UW College of Ed’s Hickman Receives Ellbogen Meritorious Teaching Award

Barbara Hickman, an assistant professor in the University of Wyoming’s School of Counseling, Leadership, Advocacy and Design, worked for 15 years as a public school administrator in California and Arizona -- including six years as a school district superintendent.

Since 2018, she has helped educate dozens of current and future public school administrators as a member of the UW College of Education faculty, earning exceptional marks from these graduate students.

“As a former superintendent, Dr. Hickman brings a wealth of practical experience to her teaching, enriching discussions and providing valuable insights into district-level thinking and decision-making,” wrote colleague Margaret Hudson, an assistant professor in educational leadership. “Students consistently commend her for her passion, preparedness and ability to make complex subject matter relatable and understandable.”

“Time and again, students rave about her profound knowledge of the field, her ability to translate theory into practical application, and the quality of feedback she provides on assignments,” wrote Assistant Professor Jonathan Carrier, coordinator for UW’s Higher Education Administration Program. “Many students have even gone so far as to label her as the best instructor they have ever had -- an accolade that speaks volumes about her effectiveness and impact as an educator.”

Hickman is one of four recipients of the 2024 John P. Ellbogen Meritorious Classroom Teaching Award at UW. The award was established in 1977 by businessman John P. “Jack” Ellbogen to “foster, encourage and reward excellence in classroom teaching at UW.”

Hickman has taught an array of more than 30 graduate courses in educational leadership at UW, helping K-12 educators advance into leadership roles in their careers. Those students have given her overall ratings of 4.89 on a 5-point scale for effectiveness as an instructor and course quality.

“I cannot think of a more deserving candidate, for she has singlehandedly challenged and grown me not only as a student and learner, but also as a leader and person,” wrote Douglas High School Principal Ryan Mackey, a UW doctoral student. “She is a model educator and leader who truly cares about student learning and has made a difference in my life.”

“One of the most commendable aspects of Barbara’s teaching style was her ability to create lessons that were not only relevant, but also devoid of busy work,” wrote Etna Elementary School Principal David Saltzman, who took an educational law course from Hickman. “Every assignment and activity had a clear purpose and contributed meaningfully to our learning. This approach not only kept us engaged, but also ensured that our time was spent producing knowledge that I will need as a principal.”

Big Horn County School District 2 Superintendent Doug Hazen says he’s grateful that Hickman chaired his doctoral committee.

“She consistently went above and beyond to provide mentorship, support and encouragement, ensuring that I was able to be successful in my program,” Hazen wrote. “Whether it was offering constructive feedback on assignments, providing mentorship for research projects or simply lending a compassionate ear during challenging times, Dr. Hickman always prioritized my needs above her own.”

Hickman holds a doctorate in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University, a master’s degree in educational administration from Saint Mary’s (Calif.) College, and bachelor’s degrees in science education and geology, both from the University of Minnesota.