Sharron Evans, Esq., brings nearly three decades of higher education and student affairs experience to the topic of university governance and policy. As Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, her portfolio includes oversight of 13 departments and three programs, including Student Conduct, Student Legal Services, Student Accessibility Services, Student Support Services (TRIO), the International Students & Scholars Office, and a number of academic support services units as well as cultural centers.

Evans has extensive experience working in student development, organizational management, diversity and inclusion, assessment, compliance, and crisis intervention and management. Her passion for law and, specifically, higher education law and policy grew out of her understanding of the intersections of both fields and the observed impact on student retention and success. Her passion also extends to work around closing the opportunity and achievement gaps for students from underrepresented populations. In addition to serving five institutions of higher education, Evans has also served in a consultant role in the realms of compliance as well as diversity, equity and inclusion.

Throughout her student affairs tenure, Evans has served in numerous roles, from Residence Life at Illinois State University to Associate Director for Student Organizational Advising Programs & Services, and later, Director of New Student Orientation at Columbia University in the City of New York. In 2005, Evans returned to the Midwest as Director of Student Leadership Development then became Director of Student Rights & Responsibilities at Northeastern Illinois University. In 2014, Evans advanced to the role of Assistant Vice President for Student Development at Roosevelt University. Her roles at Roosevelt included Assistant Vice President for Equity and Inclusion, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students, and Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students. 

Originally from Joliet, Illinois, Evans is an alumna of Illinois State University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Sciences, minoring in Psychology and a Masters of Education in Counselor Education. She went on to obtain a Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois-Chicago John Marshall Law School and was admitted to the Illinois Bar as a practicing attorney in 2014. Combining her higher education and legal knowledge, Evans has spearheaded law and regulatory issues while practicing intellectual property and residential real estate law.

In alignment with her higher education and legal experience, Evans has held membership in numerous national and local organizations, including current NASPA and NACUA memberships. In the past, Evans has maintained membership in ACPA, NADOHE, and ASCA. She also was a member of the Chicagoland Title IX Consortium and numerous other Chicago-based organizations.