Eva Lois Evans
Since 1965, Eva Lois Evans has been a leader in education, in Lansing, in Michigan and the nation. Dr. Evans served in a number of administrative positions in the Lansing School District, from director of elementary education to deputy superintendent of schools in charge of instruction. As a leader in the school system, she developed and implemented innovative programs, such as schools of choice and a districtwide talent fair for students and staff. She connected the school district with Lansing Community College, and Michigan State University for the 2+2+2 Program, which channels minority students into MSU’s College of Engineering. In addition to her focus on math and science, Evans created the Be A Star performing arts program.
Dr. Evans worked to build partnerships with the community as a member of the Lansing Board of Water and Light and as president of the board of the United Way, as well as serving several other organizations.
Evans also was a driving force behind education programs at the national level. She served as president of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority from 1994 to 1998. She worked with the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Science Foundation, Georgia Technical University and MSU on the national Partnership in Mathematics and Science, to help establish community programs to encourage black students to pursue these subjects. She also developed a partnership with the American Red Cross to educate people about HIV/AIDS and to increase the number of African Americans on the bone marrow registry.
Currently Dr. Evans is the President of the Lansing Community College Foundation. She is also busy with preparations for a continuing care retirement community in Winston Salem, North Carolina, a project of Senior Residences, of which Evans is the president and founder. When completed, residents will be able to have assisted living care, independent living, and nursing care.
The Lansing School District benefited greatly from Eva Evans’ dedication, but her efforts and talent go beyond the community to the entire nation.