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Bianca D. Evans-Donaldson, PhD, has long known the value of diversity, equity and inclusion to a thriving university community.

Not only has she spent the last 15 years of her career in higher education focused on increasing the recruitment, retention and success of historically underrepresented and marginalized students — Evans-Donaldson is also a first-generation college graduate herself. Her days as an undergraduate studying biology at Tuskegee University left a deep imprint on her perspective, and the experience continues to inform her approach to creating welcoming campus environments.

“Early on, I realized the importance of having great mentors, supporting diverse populations interested in STEM fields and serving my community,” the Alabama native said. “The skills I developed helped make me into the leader, the motivator, the STEM advocate and the practitioner I am today.”

Evans-Donaldson now brings those skills to the University of Florida College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, where she assumed her role as Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion effective August 16, 2021. The newly created position is an extension of the college’s continuing work to foster a community where all feel welcome and have the tools necessary for success.

“We are graduating students who need to be prepared for a global society,” Evans-Donaldson said.

Under the leadership of the CLAS Diversity and Inclusion Steering Committee, formed in 2016, the college’s accomplishments have included the establishment of diversity liaisons within departments and units; the support of research, courses and events concerning racial justice; and new strategic faculty hires in African American Studies and Geography.

In her new role, Evans-Donaldson will build on the work already done as she leads college-wide initiatives that promote diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and serves as the CLAS liaison to DEI-focused committees and groups on campus.

“I’m delighted that Dr. Evans-Donaldson will be spearheading the college’s ongoing efforts to expand diversity, equity and inclusion,” said David Richardson, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. “She brings a proven track record of success in recruitment and retention, and her expertise will be indispensable as we take further steps to provide an inclusive experience for all.”

Evans-Donaldson was drawn to the position at CLAS after seeing the groundwork that had already been laid to support DEI within the college. The work of the CLAS Diversity and Inclusion Steering Committee assured her that the college was backing its statements with action. During her interview process, she was also encouraged to see more than 100 faculty members attend a talk she gave in May. The enthusiasm for DEI, she said, extended throughout her early interactions with the college and energized her as she explored the position.

Before joining CLAS, Evans-Donaldson served as Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion in the University Graduate School at Indiana University, Bloomington. There, she ran the nationally recognized Getting You into IU Recruitment Program, which won INSIGHT Into Diversity’s 2020 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award. The accolade honors efforts to improve access to science, technology, engineering and mathematics for underrepresented students.

“The most rewarding aspect of DEI initiatives is bringing together diverse teams and coming up with innovative ways to address challenges at an institution,” Evans-Donaldson said.

After several years working in a graduate school, Evans-Donaldson is looking forward to once again connecting with undergraduate students. In a college that encompasses STEM, the humanities and other disciplines, she emphasized the importance of instilling the value of diversity and inclusion in young people who will go on to pursue careers in an array of fields.

“We are graduating students who need to be prepared for a global society,” she said.

Prior to her time at Indiana University, Evans-Donaldson directed diversity initiatives at Auburn University in the College of Sciences and Mathematics Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs. She earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Tuskegee University, a master’s degree in biology from Alabama A&M University, a PhD in educational psychology from Auburn University, and an MBA in management from Indiana University Kelley School of Business.

As she settles into the new role, Evans-Donaldson is looking forward to talking with the college community to learn more about what CLAS does well and where it needs to grow. That dialogue, she said, will be critical to making everyone feel valued as the college works to recruit and retain diverse students, faculty and staff.

“The most rewarding aspect of DEI initiatives is bringing together diverse teams and coming up with innovative ways to address challenges at an institution,” Evans-Donaldson said. “I see building inclusive environments and employee experiences that value diversity, equity and inclusion as essential to the core values of higher education institutions.”