Following a K-12 career culminating in her previous role as superintendent of the Kenosha Unified School District, Michele Hancock joined Carthage College in 2014 and continues to foster equity and inclusion within the teaching profession as vice president of college culture for inclusion.
After joining the Carthage Education Department, Hancock built an urban teacher preparation program to equip future teachers to work in diverse, urban environments. She later expanded her focus to all students by initiating Carthage’s Anti-Racism and Intercultural Seminar Experience (ARISE), in which all first-year students participate.
Hancock also created the Equity and Inclusion Certificate Program, which aims to equip professionals in the workplace with knowledge, disposition, and skills essential for equity and inclusion work. Through the year-long program, Hancock has directly mentored more than 50 faculty and staff. She has similarly trained staff in Kenosha judicial offices and regional school districts, including Racine and Waukesha.
“The sheer breadth of Dr. Hancock’s equity and inclusion work across the workplace is second to none,” said John Swallow, president of Carthage College, located in Kenosha.
