Dr. Robert B. Hanks, University of South Alabama manager of the substance abuse program in Counseling and Testing Services, is the author of "No Higher Calling," a work of fiction published by PublishAmerica of Baltimore, Md. His first novel tells the story of the pastor of a large church in Mobile and his struggle when he decides to hire the first African American minister in the long history of his church.

Hanks holds a doctorate in education in mental health counseling from Auburn University, a master's in rehabilitation counseling from USA and his undergraduate degree in social science from Samford University. He is also the author of a number of professional publications and a member of the editorial board of Diabetes Forecast.