Getting to know Jen Hicks

Jen Hicks, distribution services assistant, is a familiar face to most of us on campus. We often receive a quick hello and a smile as she hustles through our offices, delivering mail or picking up packages. She's down to earth, funny and spunky. She is nearing her 10-year mark with the University and has been a devoted Distribution Services employee during her entire tenure.

Let's find out a bit more about the lady behind the wheel of the Distribution Services club car.

What do you like about working at USI?

I love everybody on this campus. I drive by and everybody waves. I know everybody in every office. You couldn't really ask for a better place to work. That's why I've been here 10 years.

I was told you have quite a collection of lipstick. How many tubes do you have?

That's tough. Definitely more than 150. I bet there are 40 in my purse right now, and they're almost all the same color. I love lipstick. Usually I have a couple of tubes in my pocket.

I really wanted to be a beautician. I always did my friends' hair for prom or dances. I never wore makeup in high school. I didn't start wearing makeup until I turned 35 years old. Now my son won't go into a CVS with me because he knows I'm going to the makeup aisle.

Is there anything else you collect?

Lipstick and purses are my thing. I probably have 200 purses.

How would your best friend describe you?

Very outspoken. I don't hold back.

What was your favorite childhood TV program?

WWF Wrestling. That's what I remembered watching. I had two brothers and that's what they watched. We would wrestle in the house.

I also liked the Nick at Night shows like Brady Bunch and Patty Duke.

What small thing annoys you so much it should be a crime?

Laziness.

If you could create your own new Ben and Jerry's ice cream flavor, what would it be?

Blue Bunny vanilla bean because that's the only ice cream I love, maybe triple vanilla bean. I don't think I've even had Ben and Jerry's ice cream.

What do you value most in a friendship?

Trust. Be truthful with me. I have the same three best friends that I've had since birth, and I still talk to all three of them at least four times a week.

Tell me a little bit about your family.

I have been married for 17 years to my high school sweetheart, Jason. We were best friends forever and then one day it just happened. We have two children, Morgan age 16 and Cooper age 10. Morgan graduated high school a year early and will start at USI in the fall. 

How do you like to spend time with your kids?

With Cooper, it's always about getting dirty and with Morgan it's all girly. They are total opposites and that's what I love about them. I get the best of both. Cooper likes riding dirt bikes and go karts and Morgan likes going shopping and getting her hair or nails done. Together we like to go to the movies. They are the best kids. My husband is amazing too.

Top three traits to describe yourself

Loyal, hard-working and I think I'm flipping hilarious.

If you had an amazing singing voice and were on American Idol, what would you sing?

Probably something by Whitney Houston, but I'm really more into old school rap. If I could belt out anything it would be something like Mariah Carey, Adele or Whitney Houston. But in reality, I'm more like Biggie Smalls.

Is it true you're a quintessential west sider?

I live right next door to the house I grew up in. I'm west sider for life. I don't go past St. Joe Avenue very often. That would probably be the name of my rap album "West Side for Life."