Dr. Karen Wicks
Dr. Wicks has held numerous roles over her adult life. She has served as a teacher, administrator, and educational consultant, bringing a wealth of experience to every role. She is widely respected for her expertise in curriculum development, school leadership, and fostering sustainable, student-centered educational models.
A passionate advocate for underserved communities, Dr. Wicks continues to mentor educators and champion policies that promote opportunity, innovation, and excellence in education. Her unwavering dedication to students and families remains the driving force behind her work. Dr. Wicks is a Board member of Erskine College, and a member and former President of the Public Charter School Alliance of South Carolina.
Dr. Wicks holds a Ph.D. in French from New York University, a Masters in French from the University of Tennessee, and a Bachelor's degree in English and French from Lee University.
Among her many accomplishments, Dr. Wicks established the Royal Live Oaks Wicks Foundation, an initiative that supports student success through scholarships, enrichment programs, and community partnerships, and is the Chair of the Foundation Board. Her leadership and advocacy have earned her recognition as the Charter Institute at Erskine’s Ambassador to the Corridor of Success, a distinction honoring her efforts to uplift education across South Carolina’s rural communities. She also is a member of the Charter Institute’s Legislative Advocacy Group. In 2015, with her late husband Les, Dr. Wicks was awarded the Jasper County Chamber of Commerce Business Partner Award, and the 2024 Jasper County Chamber Sergeant Jasper Award. She was named the South Carolina Charter School Leader of the Year in 2022 and received the Carolina TESOL Distinguished Service Award. Dr. Wicks served as the national Director for Curriculum and Instructional Development at the College Board and collaborated with Harvard University’s Project Zero project.
Dr. Wicks was married 37 years to her late husband Les, who co-founded Royal Live Oaks Academy. She has a son, a daughter, 7 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. She is a published author–Victor Hugo Novels of the Grotesque and Sublime, Creating a Learner-Centered Environment, and Twisted Silver Spoons. Her memoir is in process. She is a lyric soprano and serves Ridgeland Baptist Church as both Sunday School Director and Senior Youth-Young Adult teacher.