After serving 10 years as Northern Oklahoma College president, Dr. Cheryl Evans announced her plans to retire effective June 30, 2021.
“After much reflection over the winter break, I determined that the timing is right for my personal life and the life of this historic 120-year-old college,” Evans said.
“In the back of my mind, I’ve always felt like 10 years in this role would be enough time to accomplish many goals, but hopefully not enough time to wear out my welcome as the average length of tenure for a college president is about six years.”
“I did hesitate this fall as I was initially unsure if I should follow through with my intentions because of the pandemic, but I am comfortable now as NOC has established effective pandemic plan protocols and has found a workable path through this unique time in history,” she added.
“I was thrilled to begin work at NOC on June 1, 2011, and it has been a privilege to serve as the NOC President and I was honored to be the first female president in the College’s history,” she said. “I am a better person for having worked at NOC and having some small part in the school’s accomplishments. NOC has certainly been a lifechanging experience for me and I will be forever grateful for this opportunity. I intend to be fully engaged until the last day of my employment, and I will continue to serve NOC at the board’s pleasure until the new president takes office, even if that extends past June.”
“I appreciate the board members who gave me this opportunity ten years ago and the present Board of Regents, who continue to provide excellent leadership, expertise and support to the College,” she added. “I am certain that over the next six months, the board will identify and hire the right person to become the 14th President of this institution. That fortunate individual will be blessed as I have to work with such a talented, caring group of people. I’m confident that our students and employees will continue to successfully persevere to achieve NOC’s mission to provide quality, affordable and accessible higher education experiences for decades to come.”
Dr. Evans received a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications at Northwestern Oklahoma State University. She finished her Master of Arts in Communication at Wichita State University and her Doctorate in Education at Oklahoma State University. Evans is the thirteenth president ...
