Patrena Hicks is beginning her 32nd year at Tennessee Tech University, including her 18th year on the Athletics Department staff. A native of Sparta, Tenn., she graduated from White County High School and began her career at TTU with a position in the business office. After 13 years in that role in Derryberry Hall, she moved across campus to accept a post within Athletics, where she handles numerous business-related tasks associated with keeping the department running smoothly. She received her CPS certification in 1997.

Among her duties are handling and reconciling all Athletics accounts as well as the Athletics Association, and working with the purchasing office for all purchase orders and contracts.

Patrena and her husband Robin have been married for nearly 40 years, and have three grown sons, Chase, Kyle, and Logan, as well as three grandchildren, Cameron, Kinley and Knox.