Washington State University appoints new CAS associate dean

Bringing deep and wide-ranging experience in the promotion of equity and inclusion in higher education, Henry Evans joined the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) on July 1 as its first associate dean for equity and outreach.

Since 2016, Evans served as associate director of equity and inclusion at Idaho State University (ISU), Pocatello, where he provided leadership and direction to the campus community in areas of equal opportunity, affirmative action, equity, and inclusion. His responsibilities spanned Title VI compliance, civil rights investigations, diversity training, and supervision of the ISU Diversity Resource Center, which provides student-focused diversity education and programming.

Evans was chosen for the job following a national search. In addition to his role as associate dean, he will also join the faculty of the School of Politics, Philosophy, and Public Affairs as an associate professor, career track.

“For the past several years CAS has expanded its commitment to inclusive excellence across our hiring, mentoring, teaching, and research. We now wanted to bring in a leader who could extend that foundation across our college and better partner with the communities we serve,” said Todd Butler, CAS dean. “Dr. Evans brings to that commitment an ideal combination of academic knowledge, practical experience, and values-driven leadership,” Butler said.

“I am beyond thrilled to have the opportunity to join a fantastic team of colleagues in the College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Office and the whole of the college to further the great work they have already begun in creating spaces where all are seen and valued and are free to be their authentic selves,” Evans said.

At ISU, Evans designed and delivered educational programs, training sessions, workshops, and seminars on issues including harassment, discrimination, and diversity. He also served as a member of the allied graduate faculty in the Department of Political Science and as an adjunct faculty member in the political science and sociology departments.

Evans earned master’s and doctoral degrees in political science at ISU, where he completed his dissertation “Policies Where People Matter: Anti-Poverty Programs and the Importance of Citizen Participation” in 2011. He completed additional graduate studies in international relations theory and American foreign policy at Arizona State University in Tempe. He has since taught courses in critical analysis of social diversity, minority politics, American government, and American political behavior, among others.

As a member of the CAS senior leadership team, Evans will be responsible for providing strategic planning and leadership in developing, implementing, and sustaining initiatives that advance equity, inclusion, and community partnerships. His focus areas will include recruitment and mentoring for diverse faculty and staff, expanding the use of inclusive pedagogies, and developing strategic initiatives to engage the college’s communities and enhance external partnership opportunities.

Encompassing more than 30 departments, schools, and research institutes on five campuses statewide, the College of Arts & Sciences delivers more than 50% of WSU’s total undergraduate and graduate instruction, including a vast majority of the University’s core curriculum. CAS drives more than $26 million in annual research expenditures, with interdisciplinary strengths in public and community health, environmental science, equity and social justice, and data and technology.