Freddie Hicks MNSP’24: Stewardship, Service, and Lifelong Learning

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Freddie Hicks still remembers the moment he first felt drawn to service. He was 11 or 12 years old, sitting in church, when a group of service members arrived in uniform. As the congregation rose to applaud them, Hicks felt something settle in. The respect in the room and the quiet understanding of commitment it reflected stayed with him.

“It sparked my curiosity,” Hicks later recalled. “Understanding what they were doing and the commitment they were giving made me think, okay, that’s really something that I would be interested in doing.”

That curiosity turned into a calling. Hicks went on to serve 30 years in the U.S. Navy, much of his career spent in logistics, acquisition, and operational leadership roles supporting special operations forces. His work required precision, accountability, and stewardship of both people and public resources. Over time, it also shaped how he thought about leadership, responsibility, and the real-world consequences of decisions made far from the field.

As political discourse grew more polarized in recent years, Hicks found himself increasingly frustrated by conversations that offered criticism without context. Having seen firsthand how national security decisions ripple outward to service members, families, and communities, he wanted a deeper understanding of how policy is crafted and constrained.

“I didn’t want to be a Monday Morning Quarterback,” he said. “I wanted to better understand the problem sets policymakers have to navigate.”

That motivation led Hicks to Sanford, where he enrolled in the Master of National Security Policy (MNSP) program while completing the final two years of his military career. For Hicks, the classroom offered a rare opportunity to slow down, widen his perspective, and examine leadership and governance through an ethical lens. Studying alongside peers from government, the military, and the private sector challenged his assumptions and sharpened his ability to engage thoughtfully across differences.

In 2024, Hicks retired from active duty and transitioned into a civilian federal role with Naval Sea Systems Command, where he now works on the development and sustainment of the Navy’s newest maritime systems. Alongside his professional work, he remains deeply committed to veteran advocacy and community engagement, guided by a belief in presence, accountability, and lifelong learning.

Below, Hicks reflects in his own words on the impact of Sanford, why public policy matters, the highlights of his career, and what it means to stand for something

What impact has Sanford had on your professional and/or personal journey?

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While enrolled in the Sanford Master’s National Security Policy program, I was completing the last two years of my 30 year military career. 17 of those years were in Combat Service Support roles for Special Operations, so the program aligned with my interests. Each professor and course were truly exceptional and allowed me to step back and widen my view of how I thought about leadership, governance, and public service. Sanford reinforced that effective public service should not be theoretical, but should be values-driven, and rooted in ethical decision-making. I enjoyed that the cohort was made up of students at various stages of their careers in government, the military and the private sector. This offered a healthy exposure to different perspectives and respectful debates.

Professionally, it sharpened my ability to dissect complex national security matters and implement policy recommendations on my job. Personally, it reaffirmed my belief in lifelong learning as a force multiplier and I’m proud to share my academic stories with those who are on the fence about if they have the time and bandwidth to pursue the program. I’m thankful for my wife and kids for their support.

Why does public policy matter in 2026 and beyond?

History reminds us how public policy has a direct impact on either enabling or hindering societal well-being. Positive policy outcomes do not come about through wishful thinking, but rather through understanding public issues and creating policy that promotes security, safety, and prosperity while also protecting rights. Therefore, formulating the right public policies will matter more as the United States confronts domestic and global challenges that are competing for resources, priority and talent.

Having spent three decades in uniform, I understand that national security policy decisions made in Washington have cascading consequences for service members, their families and citizens. Knowing this, I didn’t want to be a Monday Morning Quarterback who only provides critiques for policy failures. I wanted to better understand the constraints and problem sets policy makers have to navigate, so I could be both an informed voice and practitioner.

What is the most interesting highlight so far in your career?

One of the most interesting highlights of my career has been leading and advising logistics and acquisition efforts in support of Naval Special Warfare and joint special operations forces, where failure was not an option and accountability was essential. I was fortunate to work with a team of highly motivated, competent and humble women and men. Without a doubt, working with these high caliber individuals motivated me to get better each day. This motivation inspired me to pursue my graduate degree.

Also interesting was preparing for my retirement and post-military career. I had flashbacks to the moment I decided to join the Navy. After coming from a military family, I wanted to continue that legacy and honor those who paved the way for me. It was a reflection that made me smile and reflect, while also being excited for the next chapter. That next chapter consisted of me transitioning into a civilian federal role where I am a Product Support Manager for Naval Sea Systems (NAVSEA) working to help design, build, maintain and modernize the Navy’s newest maritime systems. I apply the skills learned in my military and academic journey to improve my team-collaboration, critical thinking and analytical skills so I can be a good steward of taxpayer resources.

Terry Sanford implored students to “stand for something.” What do you stand for?

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Governor Terry Sanford was known for his dedication to fighting poverty, improving quality education and civil rights activism. By working tiresomely to improve the social infrastructure of North Carolina, he stood for the advancement of others. To be my best as a husband, father, brother, son and friend, I also try to stand for integrity, faith, and accountability. And when I fail, which I have many times, I make sure I have a circle of folks that call me out and help me out. “Standing for something” as a leader and follower, I believe carries an obligation to leave places and people better than we found them. Mr. Sanford did this while serving in politics and as the president of Duke University.

What seeds of change are you planting in your community?

With the help of an amazing organization called the Boot Campaign, I’m actively planting seeds of change through Veteran-focused advocacy. The Boot Campaign Boot Campaign provides personalized care for Veterans through a combination of programs that address not only the mental and physical wellbeing, but also their overall quality of life. I participated in a variety of their programs and I take the lessons learned and share with other Veterans to create a sustainable pathway for them to thrive.

To conclude, I’m thankful to Professor Tim Nichols, the talented Sanford MNSP faculty, Blue Devil nation and the classmates whom I’ve learned so much from.