Faculty Volunteer Spotlight: Dr. Brian Evans
Our first-ever faculty spotlight is Dr. Brian Evans, who wears many important hats here at Pace. He has volunteered with Pace for every Paint a School Day and Hands on New York Day as both a participant and a leader of student volunteers, is a recipient of the Bronze Medal Jefferson Award for Public Service, and serves as a role model for the entire Pace community for his dedication to the importance of service and civic engagement. Read on to learn more about Dr. Evans!
Educational Background: Mathematics Education at Temple University in Philadelphia (EdD)
Roles at Pace: Professor in the School of Education, Coordinator for the Pace Path, and a Faculty Resident for the Office of Housing and Residential Life
Why do you think students should be involved on- and off-campus?
Everyone benefits from being involved both on and off campus. Pace University is a community, and every student, professor, and staff person is a member of that community. We work together collaboratively to make this place great. Off campus, we have to consider that we are part of a greater community. Locally, that is the New York and Westchester community, but it is also important to not forget we are part of a larger global community as well.
Why do you feel it is important for students and faculty to work together on community projects?
The most important aspect of working together for community projects is the positive impact faculty and students have on that community. However, service is a very important part of education. For many Pace students, service is part of their Pace Path as they learn from the benefits of helping others, working together, and interacting with their communities.
Can you tell us about your favorite service project?
There are so many projects I’ve enjoyed, but my favorite was probably my trip to Uganda where a colleague and I worked with math teachers for a couple of weeks in the summer of 2011.
What inspires you to be involved in service?
Since I was in school I had always felt a great sense of satisfaction in doing service. The interactions I’ve had with my communities and fellow service members have consistently inspired me.
Did you have a background in service before coming to Pace?
Yes, when I lived in Philadelphia I volunteered with Philadelphia Cares, which led me to find New York Cares when I moved to New York in 2007 to begin my career at Pace. I have been volunteering and involved in community projects since I was a teenager.
What keeps you returning to annual events like New York Cares Day?
I enjoy these events very much for the visible difference the events make for the community and our students. CCAR and Pace do an excellent job in getting students excited to give back, and that is an important part of education.
