Ronald L. Hicks of Spotsylvania, VA, a Chowan University alum from the Class of 1966 and a member of the Business Affairs Committee for Chowan’s Board of Trustees, took the oath of office to be the new Exalted Grand Ruler of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks at the Elks’ National Convention held July 6th in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Ron Hicks, a member of the Fredericksburg 875 Lodge, is Virginia’s first Grand Exalted Ruler in almost 60 years. Well-wishers have included golf legend Arnold Palmer who offered his congratulations via a video message shown at the convention and Terry McAuliffe, Governor of Virginia, who added, “We know that Ron will lead and represent you well in the coming year, just as he has done for the Elks of Virginia,” noting the Virginia Elks’ commitment to youth and family programs, military support and college scholarships.

“Don’t just go through Elkdom, grow through Elkdom,” Hicks told the Elks National Foundation’s Midday bloggers during a live interview from the convention. “My message will be – ‘Let’s grow in everything we do.’”

As the newly-elected top official at the Elks national level, Hicks will immediately depart for his year-long journey as national president to visit all 50 states and attend several national events. Hicks will be taking his theme “Elks Pride – Community Focus” on the road for the next 52 weeks with his wife Nancy starting with 3 planes and 10 hours of travel to reach Wolf Point, Montana on July 15th, their first official state visit.

“I’m excited to get around and see everything the Elks are doing all over the country,” Hicks said during the live interview. “It’s always interesting, exciting, exhilarating, and emotional to get around and see the good work we’re doing.”

Hicks, a forty-three-year Elk, had served for three years on the Grand Lodge Committee on Judiciary and four years on the Board of Grand Trustees. Hicks was elected president of the Virginia Elks Association in 2009 and has been recognized by his state association as both Elk of the Year and Officer of the Year.

Hicks spent 38 years as an attorney with Jarrell, Hicks & Sasser in Spotsylvania County, VA. In addition to his law career, Hick’s other business activities include being a residential builder, developer, and real estate investor, as well as a former chairman of the board for Union First Market Bankshares Corporation.

“It’s a remarkable thing. This honor is a culmination of Ron’s years of service,” offered Chowan University President Chris White in his celebratory remarks to Hicks. “He has never forgotten his start here at Chowan. He’s always been very appreciative and supportive of his roots.”

Congratulations to Ron Hicks, Chowan Class of ’66, on his election to Grand Exalted Ruler for the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. We appreciate you and your dedicated service.