Former Agricultural Economics Faculty
JOHN W. HICKS III (1921-2002)
John Hicks was one of the millions of veterans who returned to college after World War II. He received his Ph.D. from Purdue in 1950, and joined the faculty in Agricultural Economics, teaching the freshman course which became known as Fun Hour 1. After heading the Indiana Commission on State Tax and Financing Policy in 1953-54, Hicks was named Executive Assistant to President Frederick L. Hovde in 1955. He served in the President's Office for 32 1/2 years, retiring as Senior Vice President in 1987. Hicks was Acting President of Purdue from July 1, 1982 until June 30, 1983, the only Ag chief executive the university has had. John handled Purdue's legislative relations from 1955 until 1987, and was also deeply involved in the major policy decisions made by the state regarding higher education. He chaired the Post High School Education Study Commission established by the 1961 General Assembly. This Commission's 1963 report set the pattern for higher education in the state for the next quarter century or longer.