About
Real Estate Business Academy is proud to partner with The CE Shop for our online education options.
Licensing courses are offered to the public to satisfy the educational requirements for licensure by the appropriate jurisdictions. The content coverage is guided by state licensing requirements and designed to provide a quality educational preparation for licensed activities in the Real Estate business. The primary focus is on providing the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to protect the public in its dealings with Real Estate professionals. The course is designed to take a student with no background knowledge of the subject to a level of knowledge that is acceptable to operate in a professional manner in the industry. To meet these overall objectives, the course of study will provide (among others):
- a thorough understanding of the legal underpinnings of Real Estate practice and a working knowledge of specific relevant laws and regulations
- a working knowledge of the principles and practice necessary to engage in the Real Estate business
- an appreciation for and a thorough knowledge of the responsibilities owed to customers, clients and other professionals in the Real Estate business.
Continuing education courses are offered to licensees to enhance their professionalism, thereby fostering the protection of the public, by:
- acquiring new knowledge, skills, and abilities relevant to the conduct of their duties
- refreshing their knowledge of core principles and practices
- advancing their knowledge of selected advanced topics
- acquiring updated knowledge of content topics that change over time.
The acquisition of this information is provided in the context of an educational methodology that insures that the material is:
- understood at a conceptual level
- able to be used in a fluent manner by the learner
- able to be applied to practical situations.
Finally, each online real estate course is designed to document the attainment of mastery is and evaluated objectively and quantitatively to ensure that transfer of knowledge occurs.

About Dwayne
Dwayne Hicks began his real estate career in January 2003 when he became a licensed Real Estate Sales Associate in Georgia. Shortly after, he joined his brother, Scotty Hicks, at United Country West Georgia Realty. In 2010, they merged with Mitt Conerly, Sr. of Real Estate West to establish Metro West Realty, where Dwayne continues to serve as Managing Broker.
Dwayne has been an active leader within the West Metro Board of REALTORS®, serving as President in both 2008 and 2014. He was honored as REALTOR® of the Year in 2005, 2010, and 2017 and received the Board’s Spirit Award in 2008. He earned his real estate licensure and Broker’s license from Barney Fletcher Real Estate.
Dwayne and his wife, Tina, reside near Roopville, just south of Carrollton. They are devoted members of Southern Hills Christian Church, The Church at City Station in Carrollton, Georgia. Together, they have five grown children.
Beyond real estate, Dwayne has a deep passion for teaching and mentorship. He served as a student pastor for over 20 years and holds a B.S. in Biblical Studies from Johnson Bible College, as well as an M.Ed. in Guidance and Counseling from the University of West Georgia. He also spent over 18 years as an adjunct professor in Youth Ministry at Point University (formerly Atlanta Christian College).
In his free time, Dwayne enjoys camping, boating, and spending quality time with his family. He also finds joy in singing and playing guitar, using music as a way to honor God. His passion for helping others, both in real estate and ministry, is evident in everything he does.

About Melanie
Melanie Mitchell has been dedicated to serving clients for over 20 years and is an Active Lifetime Member of the West Metro Board of REALTORS® Top Producer Club. She has been actively involved with the West Metro Board of REALTORS® in various leadership roles, including serving as President in 2019. Her commitment to community service is evident through her involvement with the Board’s outreach programs, including the Special Olympics, homeless shelters, Habitat for Humanity, and other initiatives. In recognition of her service, she received the Anita Robinson Spirit Award in 2017 and was honored as REALTOR® of the Year in both 2018 and 2019.
A graduate of the University of West Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in education, Melanie brings both knowledge and dedication to her work. She is a married mother of two and remains actively involved in local schools and programs. For over 24 years, she and her family have been faithful members of Tyus Baptist Church.
As a real estate professional, Melanie’s greatest strength is her passion for helping clients navigate the home buying and selling process. She understands that real estate transactions are significant milestones, and she takes pride in providing top-tier marketing, negotiation, and advertising expertise. She has further enhanced her skills by earning designations and certifications, including GRI® (Graduate, REALTOR® Institute), ABR® (Accredited Buyer’s Representative), CRS® (Certified Residential Specialist), MRP® (Military Relocation Professional), and e-Pro® (Internet/Technology Professional). Licensed in both Georgia and Alabama, Melanie is committed to delivering exceptional service to individuals, families, and businesses.