Coastal Pines Technical College is proud to recognize Ralph Hickox as its 2025 Alumni of the Year.
A 1992 graduate of Altamaha Technical Institute, now Coastal Pines Technical College, Hickox earned an Associate of Applied Science in Air Conditioning Technology and an Advanced Commercial Refrigeration Certification. His technical training became the foundation for a career that has spanned more than 30 years, blending skilled trades, entrepreneurship, and public service.
From his early days as a correctional officer and HVAC technician, Hickox went on to build multiple successful businesses, including Hickox Heating, Air & Electrical and the revitalization of the Jesup Drive-In and Strand Cinema, both regional landmarks that have drawn statewide recognition for historic preservation and downtown revitalization.
Today, Hickox serves as Mayor of Jesup, Georgia, where his leadership has been instrumental in securing millions in infrastructure improvements, creating new green spaces, and driving economic development across the region. His dedication to improving his community has earned him honors such as the Renaissance Award from the Georgia Cities Foundation and recognition as one of Georgia Trend’s Top 100 Notable Georgians.
“Ralph Hickox exemplifies what technical education is all about, learning a skill, building opportunity, and giving back,” said Lonnie Robert, President at Coastal Pines Technical College. “His story reflects how the foundation built at our college continues to empower students and strengthen communities for generations.”
The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) honored 22 outstanding graduates who are recognized as the 2025 Alumni of the Year during the 2025 Fall Leadership Conference in Savannah, Georgia on October 29, 2025. The Alumni of the Year Award recognizes graduates who have demonstrated professional excellence, community involvement, and a continued connection to technical education.
For more information on Coastal Pines Technical College, visit www.coastalpines.edu.