Lawrence County native Dr.

Thursday, November 30, 2000

Lawrence County native Dr. Dan Evans will become the new Ohio University Southern Campus dean next year.

Ohio University officials named Evans as dean this week, following an exhaustive search. He succeeds Dr. Bill Dingus, who retired this year after serving 24 years. Dr. Eric Cunningham will remain interim dean until July 1.

"I am looking forward to returning to my alma mater," Evans said Wednesday in an OU news release. "I began my college career as a student at southern campus in 1968, so it’s sort of a homecoming for me to return as dean.

"It will be very rewarding to provide educational opportunities that will open doors to careers that people in this area haven’t imagined yet."

Cunningham has known Evans for many years – they both started Ph.D. programs at the same time – and said the new dean will bring a wealth of experience from his professional life to OUSC.

"He’s very warm and approachable," Cunningham said. "He’s the right person for the right time."

Evans has served as dean of Wright State University’s Lake Campus in Celina since 1994.

Evans held several administrative positions at Shawnee State University in Portsmouth from 1981 to 1994, including a post as assistant vice president of academic affairs for his final four years there. He also taught at OUSC from 1986 to 1994.

Evans earned a bachelor’s degree in English in 1973 and a doctorate in higher education from Ohio University in 1990. He also holds a master’s degree in counseling from Morehead State University.

"I am pleased that Dan evans has accepted the position of dean at the southern campus," said Charles Bird, OU vice president for regional higher education. "He will provide experienced, energetic leadership and is a strong addition to regional higher education."