Dr. Eva L. Evans
Dr. Eva L. Evans was the daughter of Exzelma Lowe (Arthur) Allmon and William Henry Butler and was born January 14, 1935, in Memphis, Tennessee. Eva grew up in Detroit, Michigan. As an only child, she developed a strong sense of who she was and what she wanted out of life. Dr. Evans attended Detroit’s public schools and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree from Wayne State University and both Master’s and Doctoral degrees from Michigan State University.
In her home community of Lansing and throughout Michigan, Dr. Evans has broken barriers and accomplished many firsts, including service as the first female deputy superintendent of the Lansing School District, campaign chairman and chairman of the Tri-County United Way, Vice Chairman of the Lansing Board of Water and Light, Chairman of the Lansing Community College Foundation, trustee of the Michigan State University Board of the College of Education, and member of Sparrow Hospital Women’s Board of Managers. In addition, she was appointed by the state governor to serve on the Michigan Council for the Humanities and was Chairman of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights.
Dr. Evans served in many administrative positions in the Lansing School District, from the 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 district-wide 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 Michigan State University’s College of Engineering. Along with her focus on math and science, Evans created the “Be a Star” performing arts program. These innovative programs and productive partnerships have endured over the years, benefiting countless individuals and shaping practice and policy in education, health care, social services, and beyond.
She used her position to help minority students go to college. She mentored and supported school administrators after retirement. The Eva L. Evans Education Scholarship was established in 1990 to support minority students who are studying Education and plan on transferring to a 4-year college or university.