Nola Reporter

Dr. Joe M. Ricks, professor of sales and marketing in Xavier’s  Department of Business, was appointed to the New Orleans Center for  Creative Arts (NOCCA) board of directors by Governor John Bel Edwards.

New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA) is a regional, professional arts training center that offers  students intensive instruction in music, theatre, dance, media,  filmmaking and audio production, creative writing, visual and culinary  arts. NOCCA has demanded academic excellence since 1973, founded by a  diverse coalition of artists, educators, business leaders, and community  activists who saw the need for an institution devoted to Louisiana’s  burgeoning young talent. NOCCA emphasizes the power of the arts,  instilling the discipline and responsibility necessary for students to  become productive members of society. NOCCA aligns with Xavier’s mission  as the center aspires to nurture young minds to create a just,  sustainable, and joyful world. Dr. Ricks was motivated to serve on  NOCCA’s board of directors after observing its impact on his daughter.

Dr. Ricks’ daughter, a 2022 NOCCA graduate, was passionate about  musical theatre from a young age. After witnessing her talents flourish  at NOCCA, Dr. Ricks was inspired to work with the center.

“My daughter’s growth as a student, artist and young lady was pretty  impressive to me. I knew a way for me to contribute would be to serve on  the NOCCA board,” said Dr. Ricks.

This appointment is unique as it is the first board position Dr.  Ricks actively sought out, driven by his daughter’s progression at  NOCCA. He contacted Royce Duplessis, Louisiana State Representative and  Xavier alumnus, regarding the NOCCA’s board opportunities. Duplessis  recommended Dr. Ricks to the governor’s office, and after applying for  the board appointment, he was selected.

His dedication to Louisiana communities is demonstrated through Dr.  Ricks’ extensive leadership experience. Since 2004, he has served on the  Louisiana Quality Foundation board. He has also served as a board  member for Uptown Music Theatre and the City of New Orleans Ethics  Review board. Being of service has been a critical component to Dr.  Ricks’ leadership positions.

“I truly believe in the saying ‘the service you rent to others is the  rent that you pay for your room on earth.’ I’ve been blessed to use my  talents and leadership skills and have always believed you should use  your skills to make things better. This drives the types of services I  do,” said Dr. Ricks.

NOCCA’s board members will be responsible for the hiring and  evaluating NOCCA program executives, finances and facilities. Dr. Ricks  is excited about the NOCCA board opportunity as it will allow him to  serve an organization he believes in. He looks forward to learning the  board committee operations and utilizing his skillset to benefit the  illustrious center.

Dr. Ricks has been a dedicated Xavier faculty member for more than  twenty years. He has found his role at Xavier to be fulfilling as he’s  able to play a role in creating successful graduates who go on to have  outstanding careers. He is also proud to be part of an institution that  shares his core beliefs.

“At Xavier, I’m at a place where the mission fits me; it’s similar to  my personal mission. The intrinsic reward of having the opportunity to  develop a critical mass of young African American talent is enough,”  said Dr. Ricks.

After gaining a greater understanding of the arts through his  daughter, Dr. Ricks emphasized the significance of art educational  programs such as NOCCA. He looks to the board of directors’ role as a  unique opportunity to uplift and support future generations of artists.

“I’ve witnessed the discipline and determination of creative-minded  people who plan to earn their living in the arts,” said Dr. Ricks. “I  knew NOCCA would be a great place to contribute to, particularly in a  city like New Orleans, which has a large cultural economy based on arts  and artistic expression.”

Original source can be found here.