Dr. Will Evans appointed Dean of COHS

The new Dean of the College of Health Sciences, Dr. Will Evans, has been on campus one week—and already he’s ready to hit the ground running.



Coming from the University of Southern Mississippi, Evans spent half his career in clinical healthcare and half as an academic. He transitioned into administrative roles after getting his Ph.D. and becoming a full-time researcher.



“I’ve kind of had a weird path,” he said. “I call it the administrative track.”



He didn’t get his start in Mississippi. Evans is from Southeast Alabama, where he grew up alongside the Chattahoochee River and Georgia-Alabama line.

 

“When I saw there was a position open, I thought it would be a good opportunity for me to make the next step up and get closer to home,” he said. “This is the closest I’ve been to where I’m from in 19 years.”



“I thought it was a good fit, and they thought it was a good fit,” he said, “so here I am.”



Evans is excited by the liberal arts mission. He sees it as the best opportunity to teach students to critically evaluate the world around them. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, he believes it’s even more important, especially when it comes to health sciences. 



“People need to know how to properly evaluate health information,” he said.



Evans said he plans to get settled and review current practices. He is already excited to explore potential applications of technology to lead the College of Health Sciences into the future of healthcare.

 

He hopes to see the college work to enhance the Center for Health and Social Issues, investigate applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other technological innovations, and collaborate with other campus colleges to better educate students for tomorrow. 



The self-proclaimed outdoorsman enjoys walking his dog, fishing, skateboarding and surfing—as he put it, “anything outdoors.”



“The university and the faculty have a great reputation,” Evans said. “I’m excited about being here, getting to work with everyone and getting to know them as we start the academic year.”



“Other than that,” he said, “I’m just happy to be here.”