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New Interim Provost Evans Addresses Retrenchment and His Goals For Year Ahead

Photo of Oliver H. Evans in his office at Wright State

Oliver H. Evans | Photo by Dylan Collison | The Wright State Guardian


On Feb. 22, Dr. Oliver Evans began his duties as the new interim Provost for Wright State University (WSU). 

Dr. Evans’ background

Evans holds a both a doctoral and master’s degree from Purdue University in English and began his career teaching business communication at Western Michigan University alongside his wife. He then was offered the opportunity to become the director of Academic Advising and Graduate Studies at a nearby university. 

“From there, I went as a chief academic officer to a College of Art and Design, and was with them for actually 18 years and became president of that college while I was there, and took that college through a merger with a state institution, Ferris State University,” Evans said.

After retiring as president, Dr. Evans joined the Registry for College and University Presidents, which helps universities such as WSU find qualified professionals to fulfill interim positions while in search of a long-term candidate. The organization selects several potential candidates to interview before offering the position to the candidate who appears the best fit. 

“There were several things about Wright State that I thought were very interesting,” Evans said. “One is, it has, and it [continues to go] through, obviously a difficult time, but it also has a very well defined mission. Unlike many schools, it has a very good area that it serves [with a] population area that depend upon it.”

Retrenchment and goals

Dr. Evans took on the role of interim provost days after President Sue Edwards announced that up to 113 faculty members would be cut during the retrenchment process. This plan was created based upon research performed by the previous interim provost, Dr. Douglas Leaman.

“Generally speaking, I would say that I regard the retrenchment process as being as well designed as such a process can be, and as humanely and thoughtfully carried out such a process can be,” Evans said.

Photo of Oliver H. Evans near a window in his office at Wright State

The interim provost will work closely alongside President Edwards during his time at WSU. Evans and Edwards both come from different academic backgrounds, with Evans having a liberal arts history and Edwards, who is a biologist.

“I think we are on the same page we have not had any disagreements,” Evans said. “One of the things that I’ve found professionally over time is that you form relationships with people you’re working with, and you would rather make sure the relationship gets sustained rather than you win or get involved in conflicts.”

Evans also said that one of the main goals he wants to accomplish during his time at WSU is to connect with people on campus and work to improve aspects of the university that students are unhappy with. 

“I’m very impressed with the president because she’s very student-driven, and I have been described that way myself in my career, and so I think it’s a good opportunity to find ways to get to know the students, usually through student groups, student organizations, etc.,” said Evans. 

The search for a permanent provost is expected to begin in the fall. Evans anticipates that he will be with WSU for 12-18 months.

Kaitlyn Chrosniak

News Reporter

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