Bozeman-Evans cultivated UCSC’s commitment to community service

Pamela Bozeman-Evans, Associate Dean of Students in the University and Director of the University Community Service Center, is leaving the University to work as director of Chicago operations for U.S. Sen. Barack Obama.

Bozeman-Evans, who served as Director of the UCSC for four years, is close friends with Obama, a former lecturer in the Law School. Last fall, Bozeman-Evans took a leave of absence to campaign for Obama.

“This does not come as a huge surprise for those of us who know Pam well,” said Bill Michel, Assistant Vice President for Student Life and Associate Dean of the College. “Although we are very sorry to see her leave the University, I am thrilled that she has this incredible opportunity.”

During Bozeman-Evans’ tenure at Chicago, she broadened the center’s breadth of services, increased its staff and program budgets, moved the center into new expanded space in the parking structure, and further cultivated a commitment to service among students, staff and faculty.

“One of Pam’s greatest strengths is her ability to energize students and staff to develop more thoughtful perspectives and lead the creation of new programs that benefit our community,” Michel said, in announcing her departure.

Michel said Bozeman-Evans has helped develop numerous community service programs, including the Absolute Value Math Camp and the Community Service Leadership Training Corps for students in the College. She also expanded programming in the Woodlawn community through “Men in Service,” and she initiated a variety of diversity programs, including the creation of the Network for staff of color and the Chicago Dinners program.

She also led efforts to engage the surrounding community in conversations on wide-ranging topics from race and social justice to homelessness, AIDS and education reform. Bozeman-Evans and her husband Andre Evans also served as Resident Heads in Chamberlin House for five years.

Fourth-year Liz Vandlik, a resident of Chamberlin House who worked with Bozeman-Evans at UCSC, said Bozeman-Evans was a “mother figure for many students on campus.” What is unique about her, Vandlik said, was that she never drew distinctions between her roles on campus. “Whether she was your resident head, your boss or your dean,” Vandlik said, “she always cared about other aspects of your life. Pam had an amazing knowledge of and concern for people’s professional and personal lives.”

The UCSC supports more than 30 community service student organizations.

Linda Choi, Special Assistant to the Vice President and Dean of Students in the University for Diversity Affairs, will lead a search committee to recommend Bozeman-Evans’ successor. The search process, which will include students, staff and faculty, will begin in the next several weeks.