Dr. LaTrica Rhynes-Hicks, Ph.D. is an accomplished educator, grant‑funded program leader, and community advocate with over 25 years of experience in higher education and human services, with a strong focus on youth, families, and older adults. She has taught at Baylor University, the University of North Texas, and Dallas College, and brings extensive experience working with at‑risk and intergenerational populations. Her expertise includes youth development, family strengthening, mentoring, program development, evaluation, and administration across academic, nonprofit, and community-based settings.

Dr. Rhynes-Hicks holds advanced degrees in Gerontology, Health Care Administration, Social Work, and Psychology and has successfully secured and managed major grants supporting positive youth development, elder abuse prevention, dementia care, and fall prevention.

A nationally recognized leader, she has received numerous honors including Adjunct Excellence Teacher of the Year, induction into the City of Dallas Hall of Honor, and recognition from the National Council on Aging. She maintains active leadership and advisory roles across regional aging, mental health, youth, and social service organizations.