USAO names Dr. David Evans vice president of academic affairs
With over 30 years of experience in higher education, Dr. David Evans will join the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma as vice president of academic affairs.
In this role, Evans will be a key member of the president’s leadership team, and serve as the university's chief academic officer, overseeing educational policy and academic programs. Additionally, he will represent the university’s academic initiatives, building partnerships with K-12 groups, community programs, private industry and businesses, other universities, and local and state governments.
"We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Evans to USAO," said President Kayla Hale. "His extensive experience and innovative approach to academic leadership align perfectly with our vision for the future. I am confident that he will inspire our faculty, support our students and drive innovative initiatives that will enhance the educational experience at USAO and strengthen our community partnerships."
Before joining USAO, Evans served as the interim president of American University in Bulgaria, where he saw all aspects of the university, leading to a 20 percent increase in undergraduate enrollment. He also served as president of Southern Vermont College from January 2015 through May 2019, and was the vice president for academic affairs and dean of faculty at Buena Vista University for six years. Prior to joining Buena Vista University, he was dean of the Oklahoma City University Petree College of Arts & Sciences; professor of English and chair of the Georgia College & State University Department of English, Speech and Journalism; and a member of the faculty and chair of the Cornell College Department of English.
“I’m delighted to join the USAO community, whose mission of accessible, empowering undergraduate liberal arts education is dear to my heart,” said Evans. “I look forward to being part of the university’s great community and supporting students as they pursue their dreams.”
Evans holds a Bachelor of Arts from Pomona College and a Master of Arts and Ph.D. from the University of Virginia, all in English. He has served a variety of professional organizations, including the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities and National Collegiate Athletic Association. He also served a term as president of the Vermont Higher Education Council.
About the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma
As Oklahoma’s liberal arts college, the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma provides a distinctive education in the liberal arts and sciences, supporting both its interdisciplinary core curriculum and major fields of study with superior teaching. USAO fosters diversity of thought and practice to help students realize meaningful, purposeful and productive lives as global citizens in a rapidly changing world.