Hickman went to Simpson College where he earned his bachelor's degree in mathematics with an emphasis in actuarial science in 1950.
He loved the outdoors and completed a number of bicycle tours through Nova Scotia, Colorado, Alaska and California.
He also enjoyed climbing mountains and worked briefly as a forest ranger before entering academic life.
After obtaining his master's degree in 1952 Hickman worked briefly for Bankers Life Company in Des Moines, Iowa.
Hickman has been involved with many organizations and advisory groups at the local, state, and national levels, sharing his expertise on a variety of issues, such as health care, workers' compensation, and social security.
He also won the business school's 1985 Erwin A. Gaumnitz Distinguished Faculty Award for outstanding teaching, research and public service.