Former TTUHSC dean receives emeritus appointment from Texas Tech University System Board of Regents

Feb. 29—The Texas Tech University System Board of Regents on Thursday approved the title of Dean Emeritus for Michael Evans, Ph.D., R.N., FAAN, in recognition of his distinguished service to the School of Nursing and TTUHSC.

Evans, a Grover E. Murray Professor, served as the TTUHSC School of Nursing dean for more than 12 years. Under his leadership, the School of Nursing became one of the largest in Texas and the first in the state to be designated as a National League for Nursing Center of Educational Excellence.

"Dr. Evans' exemplary leadership and dedication during his tenure as the dean of our nursing school significantly elevated its stature and left an indelible mark on our institution," TTUHSC President Lori Rice-Spearman, Ph.D., said. "I'm grateful to the Board of Regents for recognizing his outstanding contributions to nursing education and granting him this honorary title. Dr. Evans' legacy will continue to inspire future generations of nurses, and we are proud to celebrate his well-deserved recognition.

Evans served as president of the Texas Nurses Association and the American Nurses Association (ANA) board of directors, including the offices of secretary and treasurer.

While on the ANA board, he also served on the inaugural board of the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) in the association's early years. His leadership contributed to ANCC launching the Magnet Hospital designation program in 1992. There are more than 500 Magnet hospitals worldwide, improving workplace environments, patient care and patient outcomes.

In 2018, he was awarded the ANCC Margretta Madden Styles President's Award, recognizing his outstanding service as ANCC president, board member and ANCC World board director.

Evans also was honored as a distinguished alumnus by the University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston School of Nursing and the University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing. In 2014, he received the Luther Christman Award from the American Nurses Association. He was awarded the Leaders and Legends Award in 2020 by the Texas Nurses Association, and the Panhandle Great 25 Association presented him with its Legacy Award in 2022.

Evans retired from administrative duties as dean on Nov. 6, 2023. He currently serves as a professor in the School of Nursing.