Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost

Faculty Spotlight

Dr. Mary E. Evans

Name

Mary E. Evans

College

Nursing

Undergraduate Degree

RN Diploma, BSEd.

From

Lankenau Hospital School of Nursing (RN), Temple University (BSEd.), Philadelphia, PA

Graduate Degree

MSN

From

University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA

Doctoral Degree

PhD (Sociology)

From

State University of New York at Albany

Previous Posts

Prior to coming to USF I worked in the Bureau of Evaluation & Services Research at the New York State Office of Mental Health, Albany, NY. I also taught at Union College and the State University of New York at Albany.

Area of Specialization / Research

Children’s mental health

Current Course Offerings

Capstone (writing for publication), independent study, dissertation

How and when did you first become interested in your field of study?

I wanted to be a nurse from a very young age. My father had TB and died when I was eight. I helped to take care of him. No one in my family had gone beyond high school and, having been raised on welfare, I thought that becoming a nurse would assure that I would always have a job. Diploma school was an inexpensive way to become a nurse.

What made you decide to pursue a career in higher education?

It was an accident. After receiving my BS degree I moved to upstate Pennsylvania and applied for hospital positions. Each hospital referred me to the diploma schools of nursing in the community. I taught at one of those schools for two years and decided I needed more education if I was going to continue to teach.

Why did you choose to be a part of the academic community at USF?

My husband took a position as Dean of the Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute, and, although it would have been an ideal place for me to continue my research, nepotism rules prohibited me from working there. The College of Nursing offered me a position and I have enjoyed working there.

What do you enjoy about teaching the students of USF?

I teach graduate students and especially like to see the development of doctoral students. I love their enthusiasm and am very proud of our graduates.

What do you like about the university community?

I like meeting people from other colleges and departments and sharing ideas and interests.