Education Dean appointed Scholar at Glenn Institute

COLUMBUS -- Executive Vice President and Provost Barbara R. Snyder has recommended to President Karen A. Holbrook the appointment of Donna B. Evans, dean and professor of the College of Education, as the John Glenn Scholar in Urban Educational Policy at the John Glenn Institute for Public Service and Public Policy. Subject to approval by the Board of Trustees, her appointment will be effective on September 1, 2005.

Evans will leave her current position as dean at the end of Spring Quarter 2005.

“Dean Evans would like to spend more time on her scholarly pursuits, particularly on her strong interest in the critical issues facing large urban school systems. She has considerable knowledge and practical experience in this area,” Snyder said. “Her appointment creates a logical match and synergy between her research interests and expertise with some of the Glenn Institute’s existing initiatives that are of high importance to the state’s real needs for the future of Ohio’s schools,” Snyder added.

Evans has served as professor and dean of the College of Education since July 2000. Prior to coming to Ohio State, she was dean and professor at Old Dominion University, the University of North Florida, and Wayne State University. In addition, she served as chair and professor of the Department of Education at Skidmore College. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and a doctorate in education, all at Ohio State.

“I came to the College of Education as a freshman and was extremely honored to have the good fortune of coming full circle to serve as dean at my alma mater many years later. I have enjoyed my tenure as dean and now look forward to focusing more fully on research on policies that make an impact on achievement – or lack of – in urban children. I am tremendously excited about connecting with the Glenn Institute,” Evans said.

After consulting with the faculty and staff in the college, Snyder will appoint a committee to begin the search process for a new dean.