Dr. Wickson earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of South Florida in Elementary Education/Early Childhood Education and Exceptional Education, and her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. She teaches both graduate and doctoral level courses.

Dr. Wickson dedicated 41 years of service to the Hillsborough County School District, where she held numerous leadership and instructional roles, including classroom teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal, Supervisor of Title I Schools, and Director of Early Childhood Programs. In her district-level leadership positions, she oversaw Head Start, PreK Exceptional Student Education (ESE), and the HOST Program, an academic out-of-school-time program serving elementary and middle school students.

She was selected as Principal to develop a PreK–5th grade school designed to support and train both preservice teachers from the University of South Florida and experienced educators. Located on the university campus, the school represented a collaborative partnership among the school district, the university, and the Museum of Science and Industry. Its mission was to create innovative learning experiences and opportunities for teachers, students, and the community.

Dr. Wickson’s research interests include at-risk schools, early childhood education, and exceptional education.