Alumni Direct Special Education Services

By Dr. Janet Roehl

They took parallel paths beginning at ENMU to their current positions in the Clovis school district. Carlyn Hancock (MEd 05, BUS 91) is the executive director of Student Support Services for Clovis Municipal Schools. Her colleague, Becky Johnson (MEd 04, BSE 96), is the director.

After graduating from ENMU, Becky and Carlyn took positions in public education, working together several years teaching special education at Marshall Junior High School and then as special education liaisons.

Carlyn Hancock

Carlyn and Becky recall with fond memories their experiences at ENMU and their favorite professors. They praised the faculty as mentors and sources of inspirations.

“Eastern prepared us not only with book knowledge, but also how to put those lessons into practice,” Carlyn says. “Because of the preparation we had at ENMU, we have been able to meet the needs and challenges of a large district.”

As the chief administrators of Student Support Services, they are responsible for the overall special education in the district, including supervising 90 staff, overseeing

the gifted program, supporting special education teachers in all the schools in the district, and overseeing diagnostic and testing services.

Becky Johnson

They share a common philosophy that is rooted in their ENMU experience. “We treat the child, not the disability,” explains Becky. “The disability does not define the child,” adds Carlyn.

In their positions, they often work with current ENMU students in the alternative licensure program and recent graduates.

“We still feel a connection with Eastern, and when we see ENMU students we know the preparation they have had. We have that trust in the faculty who prepared them,” Becky comments.

“I spend time helping students transition to postsecondary education and am comfortable recommending they consider Eastern,” Carlyn explains. “Eastern is a great university with small classes and caring faculty offering personalized instruction. The cost is reasonable and the environment welcoming. I never hesitate to recommend Eastern. Even my own children attended ENMU.”