Originally published on January 27, 2021.
Nadine Hancey has been in education for 42 years and has used her training—including an SUU master’s degree in education and administrative endorsement—to guide and direct in the classroom and principal’s office, positively affecting the lives of thousands of youngsters and their teachers, and receiving a bevy of plaudits.
In fact, in May, she was named the 2020 Utah Elementary School Principal of the Year.
The Santa Clara Elementary leader is a Salt Lake City native, earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah in 1978, and following her marriage to SUU alum Kevin Hancey, moved south where she took full advantage of programs offered by SUU. She is an enthusiastic booster of the University and its Beverley Taylor Sorenson College of Education & Human Development.
Saying that SUU built her confidence, she adds “I appreciated SUU so much. It’s a large university that felt like a neighborhood school. The professors cared about each student and did all they could to promote success.”
In her career, she spent 19 years in the classroom, was a learning coach for eight, and has now served as a principal for 15 years, with 12 at Santa Clara.
“I love the children and the people I have had the privilege to associate with,” she says. “I truly believe people in education have the biggest and kindest hearts.”
She learned early to believe in the power of education, through her (school principal) grandfather and her father, and she has never regretted her career decision.
“I have lasting friendships with many colleagues, parents and students over the years,” she says. “I absolutely love it when I am recognized by former students and they say hi and talk to me. That truly is the highlight for me.”
