January 22, 2023
For Immediate Release
Dr. Anika A. Evans to lead the inaugural program training students from the nation’s 107 HBCUs for a wide range of public service careers and announces summer opportunities for HBCU students nationwide.
Atlanta – The Atlanta University Center Consortium’s Center for Public Service received $2M in funding in May 2023 to begin a Center for Excellence in Public & Government Service and has moved forward with building programming, an upcoming summer cohort, and the most integral piece, the hiring of Program Manager, Dr. Anika A. Evans.
Evans has more than 10+ years of experience in education and excels at identifying and overhauling barriers within programs, systems, and processes. She has guided collaborative teams in the implementation of corrective plans and identifying project needs to drive process improvements, as well as quality service to our students.
“After a national search, I am excited to announce the appointment of Dr. Anika Evans as the inaugural Program Manager of the Atlanta University Center Consortium’s Center of Excellence for Public Service. Her leadership ensures that the AUCC will be the quintessential hub for training, preparing via paid internships, and placing students from HBCUs into careers in the federal government, said Dr. Said Sewell, Director, Office of Academics, Research and Student Success of the AUCC.
“It’s an honor to be endowed with the responsibility of leading the program development for the Center for Excellence in Public & Government Service. Thank you to the Atlanta University Center Consortium, Inc. leadership team for seeing the value of my experience and passion for equity in Public & Government Service access. It is time for this monumental initiative to take flight and change lives. Excellence is the standard and that is what will be delivered,” Dr. Evans said.
After several years in higher education, Dr. Evans pivoted into the non-profit sector as Senior Director of Programs for a community development center. Dr. Evans was hired to join the executive leadership team to set strategic goals and direct nonprofit programming, with a focus on securing and managing new partnerships. Dr. Evans has been credited for being an innovative visionary through the overhauling of outdated processes and implementing systems to increase efficiency and streamline operations.
According to Dr. Sewell, “Dr. Evans’ experience with HBCUs, specifically academic and student success, and professional network in all levels of public service, will prove invaluable to the success of this new center.”
In addition to leading the program, Dr. Evan’s is also debuting the A.T.I. Summer Leadership Training program now open for a summer 2024 Cohort. According to Dr. Evans, the Center for Excellence in Public and Government Service will be the premier pipeline for HBCU student preparation in public and government service and this is a monumental opportunity for HBCU students around the country. Selected scholars will have the opportunity to glean from local, state, and federal level representatives. Scholars will receive hands-on experience with building a federal resume, navigating internship and fellowship applications, as well as building a professional brand.
More about Dr. Evans
Dr. Evans started her career in secondary education in West Philadelphia and later with Duval County Schools in Florida. She transitioned to Tennessee State University where she served in the Title III Department of Academic Affairs. Dr. Evans started as a Success Graduation Coach and Program Coordinator, and those stepping stones led her to become an adjunct Professor of Service Learning and Civic Engagement.
She continued to become a workshop developer and facilitator for the Department of Tutoring Services. Dr. Evans continued to develop and served as an Activity Director where she oversaw the Completion & Beyond initiative—under the “You First Project” – that assisted first-generation junior/senior students in graduating and launching their careers.
Dr. Evans earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History from the historic Fisk University. She completed her Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Equity, Ethics, and Justice. Dr. Evans earned her Doctor of Education in Leadership and Professional Practice from Trevecca Nazarene University. Dr. Evans is an inspirational leader, a dedicated change agent, and a General of purpose to the next generation of courageous leaders, making her a perfect fit to lead this new initiative.
For more information and student applications, visit the Center for Excellence in Public & Government Service website, cfe.aucenter.edu.
For direct access to apply, students click here.
Media Contact:
Teresa D. Southern
Manager of Communications, Marketing & Events
478-320-7753
tsouthern@aucenter.edu
About the AUCC
The Atlanta University Center Consortium, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation under the laws of the State of Georgia, formed in 1929 to operate on behalf of its member institutions–Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, and Spelman College—is the world’s oldest and largest association of historically Black colleges and universities. The Consortium is a vibrant intellectual community with a long tradition of scholarship, service, and community engagement.
