Cynthia Hancock

Cynthia Hancock is a Teaching Professor in the Department of Sociology and Director of the Gerontology Program at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte). She holds affiliations with the College of Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences (CHESS) and contributes to interdisciplinary health policy discussions. Her current position emphasizes both teaching and program leadership in gerontology.

Education:

• PhD in Sociology from UNC Chapel Hill

Research & Teaching Interests: Hancock focuses on community-based experiential learning, making gerontology accessible to students, and the sociolinguistics of aging. She teaches courses like Aging and the Lifecourse, Families and Aging, and Gerontology Senior Seminar. Her work bridges theoretical and applied gerontology, emphasizing practical relevance for students.

Professional Recognition:

• Recipient of multiple teaching awards (2006, 2010)
• National Distinguished Faculty Award in Gerontology (2014)
• Fellowships in major gerontology societies

Grants & Advocacy: While specific grants are not listed, her work implies engagement in aging policy and educational innovation. She actively presents at conferences like the Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education and the Southern Gerontological Society.

Labs/Teams: Leads the Gerontology Program at UNC Charlotte, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration in aging studies.