The 91视频 Graduate College of Social Work (GCSW) welcomes Dr. Shannon Evans, DSW, LCSW, as Assistant Dean of Student Affairs. Bringing extensive experience in clinical social work, student wellness, and higher education leadership, Dr. Evans is committed to fostering a student-centered environment where future social workers feel supported, connected, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Dr. Shannon Evans began her career in higher education with a clear goal: to become a counselor in a college counseling center. After earning her Master of Social Work (MSW), she achieved that goal in 2014, providing clinical care to students at two universities. Following completion of her Doctor of Social Work (DSW), she served as Director of Counseling and Wellness at an international medical school. That experience helped shape her desire to move beyond individual clinical care and contribute to systemic change.
In 2021, Dr. Evans became the founding Assistant Dean of Student Affairs at a new medical school in The Bahamas. There, she applied her social work perspective to developing policies, procedures, and support systems that prioritized student and colleague wellness. The experience reinforced her belief that meaningful student support requires collaboration, thoughtful systems, and a commitment to understanding students as individuals.
鈥淢y clinical experience and systems thinking have shaped my approach to student support,鈥� Dr. Evans shared. 鈥淚 believe that listening to students, meeting them where they are, highlighting their strengths, collaborating with all relevant stakeholders to provide wraparound support, and encouraging students to step into their power are essential to creating a holistic student support system.鈥�
Now in Houston, Evans is excited to join a college whose history, mission, and vision align with her commitment to social work. She sees her role at GCSW as an opportunity to give back to a profession that has shaped her career while learning more about the college, its students, and the communities it serves.
For Dr. Evans, meaningful student support begins with partnership. Rather than assuming what students need, she believes institutions must work alongside them to identify appropriate resources and build sustainable systems that serve a diverse student body. She also emphasizes the importance of wellness among social workers themselves, recognizing that supporting others requires ongoing reflection and care.
Building a strong sense of belonging is another priority. Dr. Evans views connection as a shared responsibility across the GCSW community, including students, faculty, and staff. Her approach begins with listening, learning the college鈥檚 history, and understanding the relationships and traditions already in place. From there, she hopes to collaborate with students and colleagues to strengthen existing connections and create new opportunities for engagement.
She is also eager to explore partnerships that can expand the support available to GCSW students. Drawing on nine years of experience in medical education and her passion for healthcare provider mental health and well-being, Dr. Evans is particularly interested in the UH Health Initiative. She also looks forward to connecting with GCSW student organizations and exploring opportunities to collaborate with Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), UH Wellness and Campus Recreation
Dr. Evans鈥� leadership philosophy is rooted in the lessons she has learned from being a first-generation college student, competing on her university鈥檚 women鈥檚 soccer team, and working alongside clients, colleagues, and mentors throughout her career. Those experiences taught her the importance of teamwork, belonging, and creating environments where people feel valued. They also shaped her commitment to servant leadership: listening with empathy, embracing opportunities for growth, and working collaboratively toward shared goals.
As GCSW continues to chart its path to excellence, Dr. Evans sees student success as a collaborative journey. Her goal is to work alongside students and colleagues to help prepare the next generation of social workers for meaningful, impactful careers.
鈥淚 hope that students feel seen, heard, valued, and challenged to reach their full potential as emerging social workers,鈥� Dr. Evans said.
Through her commitment to holistic support, collaborative leadership, and student well-being, Dr. Evans looks forward to helping GCSW students build the connections, confidence, and skills they need to thrive in their academic and professional journeys.