FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 29, 2015
For More Information:
Glenville State College
Public Relations Department
(304) 462-4115
GLENVILLE, WV - Glenville State College Professor of Physical Science, Dr. Joe Evans, was inducted into the West Virginia University College of Education and Human Services (CEHS) Hall of Fame at a reception held recently in Morgantown. The Hall of Fame recognizes and honors alumni and other individuals who have significantly contributed to the vision and mission of the CEHS and/or who have distinguished themselves in their chosen fields, disciplines, positions, or occupations.
"Receiving the recognition was a humbling experience," said Evans. "Recommendations for the honor were provided by both fellow graduate students and former professors from forty years ago; all of them individuals for whom I have the utmost respect. The experience was humbling yet exhilarating as the realization slowly materialized that I must do more to validate that I am worthy of the honor," he added.
Evans, who has worked at Glenville State College since 1970, says that he has enjoyed working with colleagues who were always acting in the best interest of the college and students who were seeking opportunities which would lead to a better life. "I have been blessed working at GSC. I have had the opportunity to provide support in many administrative assignments but I have always been fortunate enough to be able to return to the classroom. The classroom is my true love. Even after 45 years, boredom never occurs. Though the content may be the same; every student is new and unique," said Evans.
During his time at GSC, he has taught science and prepared college students for careers in elementary and secondary school settings, as well as having prepared students to work in science-related jobs.
In the 1970s Evans served on the West Virginia State Department of Education Science Committee, bringing expertise in developing physics and chemistry essentials, using the scientific process, and raising scientific awareness. From that time to the present, he has continually been involved in the development of state standards and processes for evaluating those standards.
"I have had the opportunity to study at many colleges and universities: Glenville State College, The Ohio State University, Cornell University, Earlham College in Indiana, Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia, Penn State University, West Virginia University, and the University of Dayton. I had great experiences at every one of the schools; however, the two most enjoyable for me were Glenville State and West Virginia University. At most of the schools, I perceived the faculty and the student body to be two distinct groups: the faculty provided instruction and the students attempted to learn the information. At GSC and WVU, I perceived the faculty and the student body as one: they were partners in the learning community," Evans said.
Both science and teaching careers run in the family. His son Dr. Kevin Evans is a chemistry professor at GSC and his daughter Kimberly Hoffman is a biology/chemistry teacher. His son-in-law works as a chemist in Tennessee, his daughter-in-law is an English teacher, and some of his grandchildren have even chosen science and engineering paths in college.
"I am blessed with a loving and supporting family. Frequently, my wife June and two children, Kimberly and Kevin, were asked to make sacrifices so I could provide additional classroom time and attention to students who had the drive to achieve but came to the college underprepared. Ironically, both children pursued teaching careers in the sciences," said Evans.
Evans also was honored in 2002 with the Curtis Elam Professor of Teaching Excellence from his alma mater. After teaching at Glenville State College for almost 45 years he said, "I have often been asked why I donât retire. But when one receives so much pleasure from working with students and challenging them to strive harder and to reach a little higher, why would one want to quit?"
The recognition by WVU has also prompted Evans to be recognized during Glenville State College's upcoming Alumni Banquet on Saturday, April 25th. He will be honored with the Alumni Association's Alumnus Achievement Award, which is given to an alumnus who has been recognized by another group or individual for a similar honor within the past three years. The award can also recognize individuals who have distinguished themselves in their chosen profession.
