Abigail Hancox
Abigail Hancox, a 2024 graduate of 糖心vlog who is currently pursuing dual master’s degrees in public affairs and student affairs in higher education at IUP and who was recently selected to serve on the PASSHE Foundation Board of Directors, is the one of only two students in the PASSHE System and one of only three United States representatives for the latest cohort of Women Emerging, a global leadership platform.
This nonprofit movement is dedicated to reframing leadership so that more women choose to lead. Members must be nominated to join the Women Emerging program.
Hancox attended her first meeting of the cohort in November.
In addition to her graduate studies, Hancox works as an IUP Academic Success graduate assistant in IUP’s University College.
Hancox, a current member of the PASSHE Board of Governors, began service on the Board of Governors in June 2022 while an undergraduate at IUP and was reappointed to the Board in October 2024 as a graduate student. She will serve on the Board of Governors until she completes her graduate study at IUP. Her term on the PASSHE Foundation extends through June 2028.
“Abby exemplifies the best qualities of leadership and service,” IUP President Michael Driscoll said. “She continues to be an incredible role model and mentor to students on the IUP campus and within the State System. IUP is extraordinarily proud and grateful for her ongoing commitment to our university, to students throughout the State System, and to our world through the Women Emerging program,” he said.
“I am deeply honored to have joined the PASSHE Foundation Board of Directors and continue serving the system that has given so much to me,” Hancox said. “I will be forever grateful for the opportunities I have had through IUP and the State System. I cannot wait to see what I discover on my expedition with Women Emerging, where I will learn and grow alongside fellow female leaders from across the globe.”
She is a recipient of the 2025 Student Affairs in Higher Education Nancy J. Newkerk Scholarship, awarded to an SAHE student upon completion of their first academic year in the program. Since 1999, it has recognized SAHE graduate students who demonstrate exceptional contributions to college students, student affairs initiatives, the SAHE department, and the broader higher education community.
In summer 2024, Hancox was named a James A. Finnegan Fellow, which gave her the opportunity to work in Pennsylvania’s Emergency Management agency.
The Finnegan Foundation Fellowship provides the opportunity for selected students to be placed in summer internships in executive branch positions in Harrisburg for eight to 10 weeks and be part of a series of meetings with key public officials.
As a member of the Cook Honors College as an undergraduate, Hancox completed her political science major and homeland security minor with a perfect 4.0 grade point average. She represented the Honors College as an invited presenter for the National Collegiate Honors Council Association conference.
As an undergraduate, she was president of IUP’s Student Government Association and was vice chair and conference chair of the Pennsylvania State System Board of Student Government Presidents. She organized the organization’s state-wide conference held at IUP in February 2024. She was also a senator in the IUP University Senate. She was a volunteer group leader for the Indiana Grace Church After-School program.
The daughter of Melissa Gibson and Mike Hancox of Albion, she is a 2021 graduate of Northwestern High School.
The PASSHE Foundation is a high-impact intermediary, connecting business and higher education to bring resources to support the well-being of State System learners and to advance Pennsylvania’s workforce talent strategy.
The 20-member PASSHE Board of Governors is responsible for planning and coordinating the development and operation of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education, which includes IUP and the nine other state universities in Pennsylvania. It meets at least four times a year. As a member of the PASSHE Board of Governors, she served on the PASSHE Chancellor Search Committee.
Since its founding in 1875, IUP has evolved from a teacher-training institution into a doctoral research university recognized for its commitment to student success and achievement. As IUP celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2025 and through the Impact 150 comprehensive campaign, the university honors a legacy of educational excellence while looking to its next 150 years of student success, innovation, leadership in healthcare education, and public service.