UWF appoints first associate dean of new College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities
The University of West Florida recently appointed Dr. Jocelyn Evans, professor of political science, as the first associate dean of the newly formed College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, effective Jan. 2, 2015. She previously served as chair of the UWF Department of Government.
This appointment comes as part of an academic reorganization currently being implemented by UWF. As part of the process, the former three-college structure will be transitioned into four academic colleges, with three new deans hired to date. Last month, Dr. Steven Brown was appointed dean of the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities.
“The appropriateness of this appointment is underscored by the realization that Dr. Evans, among other faculty members, worked tirelessly to establish and develop the new College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities,” Brown said. “Her leadership as chair of the Department of Government has been extremely strong, and her work within the classroom and her scholarly productivity have been equally outstanding. Dr. Evans’ knowledge of the institution and its initiatives, goals and aspirations will be a tremendous asset as she works with all of us in this new setting.”
As associate dean, Dr. Evans reports directly to the dean of the College of Arts, Social Science and Humanities and assists in management of the college. She will carry out administrative, teaching, research and service responsibilities. Her specific portfolio of duties will include: facilitation of academic processes; supervision of curriculum improvements; collaboration with college units to advance strategic objectives; promotion of community engagement initiatives for the college; preparation of college reports; and active service on committees promoting the college’s mission.
“It is both an honor and a privilege to work with Dean Brown to forward the interests of the College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities,” Evans said. “Over the last decade, I have grown to love the faculty, staff and students at UWF. I hope to be of greater service to all three in this new role.”
Evans joined the faculty at UWF in 2003. Highlights of her teaching career at UWF include winning a Distinguished Teaching Award in 2011 and serving as the instructor for the Honors Core 2 freshmen seminar. In terms of research, she has published several books and articles on women and politics, congressional behavior, political science education, and the social meaning of civic space.
She received a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from Berry College, and master’s and doctorate degrees in political science from the University of Oklahoma. At OU, she was a Fellow at the Carl Albert Center for Congressional Research and Studies and spent a year as an American Political Science Association Congressional Fellow in Washington, D.C.
For additional information about the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, visit uwf.edu/cassh.
