New Jersey-based Bloomfield College has named Dr. Marcheta P. Evans as the first female and African American president in its 150-year history.
Evans currently holds the position of provost and vice president for academic affairs at Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU). She will succeed Richard A. Levao as the university’s new chief executive, beginning on June 1, 2019.
Bloomfield’s Board of Trustees selected Evans after a national search was conducted by Academic Search, an executive search firm for higher education institutions.
“Dr. Evans’ tenure at her previous institutions has been nothing short of transformative,” William H. Turner, chairman of the board, said. “Her leadership qualities represent the academic and mission-based values of Bloomfield College, and we are delighted to welcome her to our community and campus.”
Evans has also served as a past president and fellow of the American Counseling Association, past president of the Association for Creativity in Counseling, and a faculty member for over 23 years at OLLU.
“This is truly the fulfillment of a dream that was inspired by my grandparents as they raised me as a child during the civil rights movement of the 1960’s,” Evans said after being selected for the new role.
“My heart is overflowing with this blessing and privilege. You will not find anyone more dedicated to the mission, vision, and goals of Bloomfield College as we move this great college forward with our commitment for diverse students to have access to an affordable education. We will become a national leader and role model for inclusive excellence,” she added.
In December 2018, the University of Rochester also named psychology professor Sarah C. Mangelsdorf as its first female president.