News Release

Kenneth Evans Named Sole Finalist in Lamar University Presidential Search (3/11/13)

(AUSTIN) – The Board of Regents of The Texas State University System and Chancellor Brian McCall announced today Kenneth R. Evans, Ph.D., has been named sole finalist in the Lamar University presidential search. Dr. Evans was selected following an exhaustive national search that yielded more than 70 applications and nominations.

“The rapid growth and change underway at Lamar University demands a president who can lead the university to even greater heights,” said Chancellor McCall. “As a distinguished academic, proven fundraiser and respected leader, Dr. Evans is the right person for the job. I look forward to seeing his leadership in action.”

“Lamar University has a great tradition. Recent success in its fundraising campaign clearly indicates the support it has among the various stakeholders who have a vested interest in the university,” said Dr. Evans. “I applaud President Simmons and his wife, Susan, for their lengthy and very successful tenure. Looking forward, Nancy and I are excited about the promise of the future for Lamar, and its role in the Beaumont community and beyond. I am ready to begin working with the faculty, staff and students as we aspire to reach what Lamar can be.”

Dr. Evans has served since 2007 as dean of the Michael F. Price College of Business at the University of Oklahoma. He previously served as associate dean of graduate studies, associate dean of undergraduate studies, and chair of the marketing department at the University of Missouri-Columbia. He has worked in a variety of research, teaching and administrative positions at Arizona State University, the University of Colorado, and California State University, Sacramento. Prior to his academic career, Dr. Evans worked as a consultant and marketing representative at several northern California companies.

Dr. Evans earned bachelor’s degrees in English and political science from the University of California, Davis, a master’s in business administration from California State University, Sacramento, and a Ph.D. in marketing from the University of Colorado. He has conducted extensive research and authored more than 70 journal articles on interpersonal influence, sales management, services marketing, and marketing management and theory. He is married to Nancy Wear Evans and has two grown children.

Dr. Evans will succeed Dr. James M. Simmons, who is retiring this year after serving as president of Lamar University for 14 years. Dr. Simmons will serve as the university’s first president emeritus upon his retirement.