The departure of Sharron Evans, the Dean of Students and Associate Vice President of Student Affairs at Iowa State University, marks a significant transition for the university. Effective January 26, Evans has taken on the role of Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at the University of Illinois-Chicago, overseeing a wide range of student services and support. This move comes as Evans seeks to be closer to her family, joining a list of Iowa State staff who have recently relocated.
Evans' departure has been smooth, with Kipp Van Dyke stepping in as the interim Dean of Students and Associate Vice President of Student Affairs. Van Dyke reflects on Evans' strategic leadership and her contributions to student affairs, including the implementation of a curricular approach to ensure the work serves students and measures learning outcomes. Evans' impact is also evident in her collaboration with campus partners on emergency contact processes and student assistance transitions.
A national search for the new Dean of Students and Associate Vice President of Student Affairs will commence in the spring, with on-campus interviews and student participation in the process. As Evans embarks on this new chapter, her legacy at Iowa State remains, and the university looks forward to continuing its commitment to student success and support.