Debra P. Hicks
Debra P. Hicks ’84 BSCE
Debra P. Hicks graduated from NMSU with a bachelor of science in civil engineering. During her time at NMSU, she obtained a summer internship with Pettigrew & Associates, a civil engineering and geotechnical firm. After graduation, she was hired by the company.
In 1990, Hicks purchased Pettigrew & Associates and became its CEO and president. Throughout her career, she has gained experience in mining, multi‑family housing projects, and both small‑ and large‑scale subdivisions.
Hicks was appointed to the New Mexico Transportation Commission by Governor Susanna Martinez. In 2013, she was named a New Mexico Woman of Influence by Albuquerque Business First.
She has been deeply involved in community outreach programs such as the Boys and Girls Club, Habitat for Humanity, Leadership New Mexico, New Mexico Junior College, and the Palmer Drug Abuse Program. Her outreach focuses on organizations supporting children, education, and the arts. Despite her success, Hicks has remained committed to NMSU. In 2013, she served on the Presidential Search Committee and continues to employ many NMSU graduates while offering co‑ops and internships to undergraduates.
Currently, Hicks serves as president‑elect for the Academy of Civil, Agricultural, and Geological Engineering at NMSU, providing feedback to the College of Engineering’s administrative team. She is committed to improving the transition between New Mexico Junior College and the NMSU College of Engineering and has helped build partnerships between the college and schools in Lea County.