Immersed in the Unconventional | Thomas Evans, PhD

An immersive study abroad experience when he was 15 years old set Thomas Evans, PhD, on a course toward lifelong learning and a desire to create experiences for others that are truly transformational in their lives.  

That experience was one of many that made Evans a good leader, someone comfortable in ambiguous situations and looking to find the opportunities within them, he tells WittKieffer's Sandra Chu for our Impactful Leaders Podcast series. His leadership journey ultimately led him to the presidency of the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, where he has helped the institution continue to transform itself by creating offerings domestically and internationally that provide unique, difference-making options and pathways for students and families, whether expanding programs for military veterans (the school is ranked number one in this respect by Military Times) to starting inventive online programs to expanding programs in the health professions to support much-needed job creation and career growth for individuals. A guiding question for his work, "What can I do to create an opportunity for someone they never thought they'd be able to do?" Using a baseball metaphor, he wants traditional "spectators" to feel the excitement of catching a foul ball and being drawn into the field of play.   

While admittedly "unconventional," Dr. Evans is also intentional and pragmatic in pursuing new initiatives for UIW that address a clear local or societal need – "laying down sidewalks where you see paths already going." His ideas are informed by engaging with students, families, community organizations, local and industry leaders, and even foreign governments to provide educational offerings that add value and meaning.  

Dr. Evans is optimistic about the future. Higher education's challenges are simply opportunities for reinvention and transformation, he believes.