Merodie A. Hancock, Ph.D.
Dr. Merodie A. Hancock is the fourth president of Thomas Edison State University (TESU), New Jersey’s leader in innovative adult education. Since taking the helm in 2018, she has been a driving force for change — championing flexible, affordable and accessible pathways that empower students personally, academically and professionally. Guided by her belief that individuals and communities are strongest when everyone is equipped to succeed, Hancock has made inclusivity and empowerment through education the cornerstone of her leadership.
Under her direction, TESU has expanded programs, driven learning innovation, strengthened workforce partnerships and secured unprecedented resources, including a record-setting $2.8 million grant to address critical healthcare needs and a $5 million MOU for the assessment of on-the-job learning. She has advanced innovative initiatives such as the Zero Textbook Cost program, saving students more than $10 million, and the GO-TESU scholarship, the first state-funded aid for part-time students in New Jersey.
A recognized voice in higher education, Dr. Hancock has held leadership roles on many national and state boards, advocating for policies that expand opportunity and strengthen the workforce. As a community advocate, she has served on numerous non-profit boards and as a Court Appointed Special Advocate. President Hancock holds a Ph.D. in urban services and education administration from Old Dominion University, an MBA from Claremont Graduate University and a B.A. in economics from Scripps College, as well as professional certificates from Harvard and NYU. Through her visionary leadership, Dr. Hancock continues to position TESU as a transformative force for adult learners and the communities they serve.
