Retired VP, Dean of students to address Pitt-Bradford graduates

Dr. K. James Evans, who served as the vice president and dean of student affairs at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford for 42 years, will address the university’s 2024 graduating class during commencement exercises April 28.

During commencement Evans also will receive the Presidential Medal of Distinction, Pitt-Bradford’s highest honor, from President Richard T. Esch.

Commencement will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 28, in the Richard E. and Ruth McDowell Sport and Fitness Center. 

“We are honored to have Jim as our commencement speaker,” Esch said. “During his 42 years at Pitt-Bradford, Jim had a profound and long-lasting impact on hundreds and hundreds of students, many of whom were inspired by Jim to pursue careers in higher education.

“I know Jim will offer words of wisdom to our graduates that they can carry with them to help make a positive impact in their careers and communities.” 

Evans’ 42-year career at Pitt-Bradford spanned from 1976 until his retirement in 2018.

When Evans was hired as the new dean of students in 1976, Pitt-Bradford was a relatively new campus, having been established only 13 years before, and the student affairs staff consisted only of Evans and a part-time nurse. 

During his career, Evans helped to build the student affairs area into one that included career services, counseling and health services, new student orientation, residential life and housing, student activities, community engagement and the chapel, and student conduct.

In 1994, Evans was named vice president, and for several years as vice president and dean of student affairs, he oversaw the offices of admissions, financial aid, and athletics and recreational sports in addition to student affairs.

Evans also served as executive dean on several around-the-world voyages of “Semester at Sea,” which were once sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh.

In addition to his commitment to Pitt-Bradford, Evans has been active in the community and the region.

He served as an elected member of the Bradford City Council, was a member of the Board of Directors of the United Way of the Bradford Area, and for nine years was a member of the Board of Representatives for Penn State Public Broadcasting (WPSU-FM and WPSU-TV), where he chaired the Education Committee.

Currently he serves as president of the Board of Trustees of the Community Foundation of the Northern Alleghenies, parent organization of the Elk County Community Foundation and the McKean County Community Foundation. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Bradford Ecumenical Home.
Evans is a former member of the Board of Directors of the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, where he served as chair of the Student Life and Enrollment Management Committee; and a former member of the Alumni Council of Grove City College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree.

Evans also holds a doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh and a master’s degree from South Dakota State University.

Evans is also a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, having served on active duty as an officer in the Strategic Air Command in the early 1970s.  

Before graduates receive their diplomas at commencement, Esch will present Evans with Pitt-Bradford’s Presidential Medal of Distinction. 

“As we celebrate Pitt-Bradford’s 60th anniversary this year, it is fitting that we present Pitt-Bradford’s highest honor to someone who has made such an indelible mark on our campus and on our students for much of Pitt-Bradford’s history,” Esch said. 

“Additionally, even though Jim retired six years ago, he remains deeply committed to our campus and continues to stay closely connected,” Esch added. 

Evans, who will be the 33rd recipient of the Presidential Medal, said, “I was surprised and deeply honored to receive the Presidential Medal of Distinction. Having personally known all those who received this medal before me and how instrumental each of them was to the growth and development of Pitt-Bradford over the years I am grateful and humbled to be included in this group.”    

Recent recipients of the Presidential Medal of Distinction include George Repchick ’82, health care entrepreneur; Dr. Livingston Alexander, Pitt-Bradford president emeritus; and Dr. Patricia Beeson, provost emerita of the University of Pittsburgh.

Evans lives in Bradford with his wife, Dr. Lisa M. Fiorentino, associate professor emerita of nursing at Pitt-Bradford and a former director of both the Department of Nursing and the Center for Rural Health Practice.