Introducing Steve Hancock

USM is pleased to welcome its ninth head of school, effective July 1.

On September 23, 2019, University School of Milwaukee’s Board of Trustees president, Steve Guy, announced the appointment of Steve Hancock as the school’s ninth head, effective July 1. Hancock was presented to the board by the head of school search committee as its unanimous recommendation, and he will succeed Laura Fuller, who is set to retire in June.

Over his 30-year education career as an administrator, teacher, and coach, Hancock has held increasing leadership positions at several other prominent independent schools. He currently serves as the headmaster at Presbyterian Day School in Memphis, Tennessee, a role he has held since 2014. Prior to that, Hancock was the assistant head of school for academic leadership at Princeton Day School in Princeton, New Jersey, where he worked from 2008 to 2014.

A native of Waukesha, Wisconsin, Hancock graduated magna cum laude from Lawrence University, earning a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and Violin Performance. He later earned a master’s in music education, with an emphasis in curricular design, from the University of Illinois. He is adept at playing and teaching bridge and also enjoys cooking and playing tennis. Hancock and his wife, Stephanie, have two children—a daughter, Emily, 21, and a son, Clayton, 18.

“I am humbled and honored to be the next leader of University School of Milwaukee,” said Hancock upon his acceptance of the position. “From afar, I have always greatly admired USM and its strong national reputation as a premier PK–12 independent school. During my campus visits, I was energized to see the importance of community at USM in action. Stephanie and I are thrilled to be moving back home and are looking forward to developing new, lifelong relationships. USM has a very bright future and I
look forward to building on its tremendous legacy.”