Prior to her appointment at UW Oshkosh, Dr. Hawkins served in a number of positions  at Chicago State University, in Academic Affairs and the College of Nursing and Allied Health Professions.   She is a registered radiographer and has held faculty positions at the Medical University of South Carolina, Malcolm X College and Chicago State University.  She is currently a tenured Associate Professor of Human Services and Professional Leadership in the College of Education and Human Services at UW Oshkosh.

Throughout her professional career, Dr. Hawkins has been a liaison between the university and community.  She has written and been awarded grants which, in turn, provided educational opportunities for students of all backgrounds and interests.  Dr. Hawkins has made professional presentations on a wide range of topics, published papers and served as a professional consultant for numerous agencies.  She has also received a number of fellowships, awards and other honors of distinction.

Dr. Hawkins earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Radiological Sciences from Rosalind Franklin University (formerly the University of Health Sciences/Chicago Medical School); a Masters in Counseling and Counselor Education from The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Loyola University of Chicago.