Blair Hancock
WCC faculty and staff gathered on Friday, May 15 to honor Blair Hancock, vice president of instruction, in a surprise, social distancing- approved “parade of gratitude and love” in honor of her retirement. The parade of cars, led by campus police, began at the John A. Walker Center and traveled through campus and looped in front of Thompson Hall where Blair and her husband were located viewing the parade. After the parade, 6th and Main restaurant delivered a take-out dinner for Blair and her husband.
“Blair Hancock is literally a legend here at the college. It is fitting that the last few years of her 35-year tenure had her leading our instructional division. We will miss her leadership and her friendship,” said Dr. Cox, WCC President.
Blair began her 35-year tenure with WCC as an English instructor in 1985 and went on to serve the college in various capacities during her career. She was named chairperson of the Humanities Department in 1995; division chairperson of Arts & Sciences and lead instructor of English in 1997; dean of Arts & Sciences in 2006; and most recently as vice president of instruction where she has served since 2016. Among Blair’s accomplishments over the years include:
- WCC 1988 Excellence in Teaching Award
- Master Teacher Award from NISOD (National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development) and presented at NISOD’s 1988 International Conference on Teaching and Leadership Excellence
- Member, N.C. Association of Community Colleges Instructional Administrators (2014-2020)
- Member, Western Region Chief Academic Officers (2015-2020)
- WCC Strategic Planning Leadership Team (2015-2020)
- Advisor for the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society (2002-2020)
In her retirement, Blair plans to continue as a foster home for Partners! Canines rescue group, as well as continuing as a member of the Humane Society of Wilkes.
