MARIETTA, OHIO — Washington State College of Ohio is proud to honor Dr. Carole Hancock, whose
generosity and lifelong commitment to education reflect a family legacy spanning four
generations. With her recent naming gift to the WSCO Foundation, Dr. Hancock has become the
first individual to name a set of classrooms at Washington State. The Von Brock Wylie
Classrooms now stand as a tribute not only to Carole’s remarkable career, but most
importantly, to the enduring dedication of her family members who devoted their lives to
teaching.
Carole grew up surrounded by educators who believed deeply in service and the power of
learning. Her mother, Shirley Von Brock Wylie, was an extraordinary teacher whose example
inspired generations of her family to follow in her footsteps. One of the early women to pursue
higher education in teaching, Shirley earned her degree in secondary English and social studies
at Bowling Green State University before completing a master’s in special education at the
University of Toledo and further study at The Ohio State University. She taught in Liberty
Township, Washington Township near Toledo, and Circleville, where she also served a term on
the local Board of Education. Beyond the classroom, she was active in Delta Kappa Gamma,
AAUW, OEA, and NEA, while also leading in her church and community. Shirley’s life of service
left an enduring mark on her students, her colleagues, and her family.
In addition to Shirley’s teaching career, Carole was also inspired by her grandmothers, Marie
Wylie and Mildred Von Brock, her grandfather, Walter Von Brock and her Uncle Bob, Dr. Robert
C. Von Brock, all educators she looked up to.
Carole carried this tradition forward during her own career, which included nearly two decades
at WSCO as an instructor, professor, and department chair. Her students often describe her
influence as transformative, and her commitment to helping them succeed reflected the same
values instilled by her mother and the many other educators in her family.
Carole hopes her gift will inspire students to pause and reflect on the history behind the names
on the walls. She says, “I want students to stop and notice the names on the walls, to read the
stories, and to see how education can make a real difference. These classrooms are a reminder
that teaching opens doors and creates possibilities for everyone who walks through them.”
Through her naming gift, Carole ensures this legacy of service continues. Half of her
contribution strengthens the Shirley Von Brock Wylie Memorial Scholarship, allowing her
mother’s impact to guide and support future educators. The other half provides unrestricted
support to the WSCO Foundation, helping students overcome barriers and meet their most
immediate needs.
For Carole, the Von Brock Wylie Classrooms represent more than a physical space. They are a
symbol of her family’s deep belief in the importance of education and the many lives touched
by their shared dedication to teaching. This lasting tribute honors not just one career, but the
collective influence of a family who gave so much of themselves to others through education.
To learn more about the WSCO Foundation naming campaign, contact Megan Marion, WSCO
Foundation Director, at mmarion@wscc.edu.
