Royce H. HICKMAN

After one year at Pasadena City College, I transferred to Texas A&M University. While a student I met my lovely wife Mary C. (Whatton) on a blind date in 1961. We married on June 3, 1962 after a 13 month courtship. Our daughter, Carol Elizabeth Hickman was born on March 31, 1963 in Bryan, Texas. I graduated from Texas A&M University in 1964 with a degree in Accounting and spent two years as an officer in the U,S, Army from 1965 to 1967. I was stationed at Ft. Bliss, Texas and Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas. Our son Royce H.(Trey) Hickman, III was born on January 25, 1967 at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas. I worked for the Firestone Tire & Rubber Company in Dallas until 1969. Then worked for University Computing Company in Dallas and Chicago from 1969 until 1978. Joined Associated Credit Services in Houston as Vice President, Finance and Treasurer in 1978 and remained with them until 1987. I began a private financial consulting business in 1987 that led to working as Business Manager for Kingwood United Methodist Church in the Houston area until 1998. I was named the President/CEO of the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce in January of 1998 a position I held until December 31, 2016. I now work part-time with the Chamber. During 2012 I had the privilege of serving as Chairman of the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives and was awarded the State Distinguished Service Award by that organization in 2014.

I have been very active in my church and with Texas A&M University. I served as President of the Houston A&M Club in 1990, as President of the Friends of the Library at Texas A&M in 1995-1996 and as the President of the Association of Former Students (alumni organization) of Texas A&M University in 1997. In 2007 I was presented with the International Excellence Award for community service by Texas A&M University.

Both of our children, their spouses, all but one of our six grandchildren (two are married) and our great granddaughter live in College Station, Texas so life is good. I enjoy my job and have decided to retire, full time, on December 31, 2016, but will continue in a part time role (about 20 hours a week)with the Chamber working with the community and with Texas A&M University.