A Message from Steve Hancock: Fall/Winter 2025-26

Dear USM Community,

In the nearly 250-year history of the United States, an independent school in Wisconsin with a 175-year legacy is truly distinctive. The year 1851 was a remarkable moment in history: the washing machine was invented, The New York Times published its first edition, and Sojourner Truth’s powerful “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech began circulating around the world. Amidst westward expansion, a world’s fair, and the debut of Verdi’s “Rigoletto,” the German-English Academy and Milwaukee Normal Institute and High School were founded in Milwaukee. Both would reshape education in this city, and eventually become part of University School of Milwaukee. Read more about this remarkable history in the feature story. 

Each year, I have the privilege of sharing this history with our newest employees, and I am continually struck by how meaningful it remains. I am confident you will enjoy learning more about USM’s rich past in this issue of USM Today.

While our roots reach deep into the nineteenth century, USM continues to innovate and evolve. We remain steadfast in our commitment to helping students pursue excellence as learners, leaders, and citizens. Throughout these pages, you will see how USM remains at the forefront of education—particularly through our work in differentiated instruction that supports student growth and success. Our faculty embraces this important challenge, continually seeking new ways to help every student thrive.

I am also pleased to share the appointment of Joe Eason as our next head of Upper School. Following a robust national search, Joe emerged as the ideal leader for this role. He will be a strong and thoughtful partner to our faculty, students, and families as we continue to move the Upper School—and the entire institution—forward with clarity and purpose.

Since the last issue of USM Today, I have announced my plans to conclude my tenure as head of school in July 2027. This extended timeline is intentional, allowing the Board of Trustees ample opportunity to identify the next leader to guide USM into the future. As I look ahead, I remain deeply committed to finishing my career here with energy, optimism, and—above all—a continued passion for our students and faculty.

Thank you for being part of the USM story, past, present, and future.

Warm regards,

Steve Hancock
Head of School