DONNA B. EVANS ACCEPTS DEANSHIP AT OHIO STATE

Donna B. Evans will step down in early June as dean of the Darden College of Education to become dean of the College of Education at Ohio State University in Columbus.

Evans, who has served as dean at Old Dominion for the past five years, will assume her new post July 1. She will head a full-time faculty of 135 in the College of Education's three schools. More than 3,000 graduate students and 400 undergraduates are enrolled in Ohio State's education college.

A Columbus native, Evans is an alumna of Ohio State, having earned all three of her degrees from the university's College of Education: a bachelor's in elementary education, master's in counselor education and doctorate in counselor education and educational administration.

During her tenure at Old Dominion, Evans was instrumental in establishing the Professional Development Schools program, in which university-based faculty administrators, prospective educators, public school personnel, family and business partners work together to build a better learning community. Through the PDS program, Old Dominion has been able to enhance education for urban children by offering professional development opportunities for practicing educators and providing training for prospective teachers.

As the first female dean of the Darden College, she took responsibility for updating the college's computer facilities and emphasized technology in the teacher education curriculum.

"She has been a strong advocate for the college in the community," said Provost Jo Ann Gora. "She strengthened relationships with area school districts and worked well with superintendents and principals in Hampton Roads."