Dr. Reginald Hickman was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a B.A in history in 1995, a M.A.T in social studies in 1996, and earned a doctorate in 2017. He started his teaching career teaching 7th grade social studies at West Junior High School in the Woodland Hills School district. After eight years in the classroom, he accepted a position as assistant principal for the New Kensington-Arnold School District. During his tenure, he oversaw a 60% decrease in discipline referrals. Dr. Hickman’s knowledge of students, families, and support services were a major factor in making those improvements. 

After four years he returned to Woodland Hills School District as building principal and opened the highly successful Woodland Hills Academy. Under his leadership, Dr. Hickman implemented an academic program that included a longer school day, extended school year, interest-level classes, and a robust student support system. 

After three highly successful years as principal, Dr. Hickman was appointed by the superintendent to head a $750,000 grant program targeting improving the academic outcomes for African American male students. No other candidate in this race has this combination of knowledge, experience, and success in education.

In addition, he has taught in higher education, served on the Plum Borough School District school board, and has an educational consulting firm, Each One Teach One. He is the proud father of three very successful children, two who have graduated college and one still currently enrolled.  In his current capacity as the Director of Curriculum at Urban Pathways Charter School he is using his expertise to help create career pathways for students to be college and career ready.

Dr. Hickman has been able to create, implement, and sustain successful academic programs for all grade levels in districts very similar to Penn Hills. He will ensure Penn Hills students receive the highest quality education through a rigorous curriculum, high quality instruction, and a safe and nurturing learning environment that allows students to dream big!