Shawn is the Assistant Vice President, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion; and Associate Professor, Race and Ethnicity Studies; at Salem Academy and College. Prior, she was an Associate Professor in Counseling and Human Services at Old Dominion University, where she taught courses in crisis intervention, methods and addictions. In addition, Dr. Ricks maintains a private practice in Winston-Salem, NC. Dr. Ricks received her Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in Educational Leadership and Cultural Foundations, and her Masters in Counselor Education from the Pennsylvania State University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (Associate), as well as a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (Associate). She is certified in Motivational Interviewing, Strengthening Families and Preventing Long Term Anger and Aggression in Youth (PLAAY). Prior to joining Old Dominion University, Dr. Ricks spent 9 years at Winston-Salem State University where she created a university-wide minor in addictions.