When Ted Evans completed the Master of Business Administration program at Weatherhead School of Management in 1995, he didn’t just earn a degree—he began a decades-long relationship with Case Western Reserve University as an alumnus, a consultant and, ultimately, a staff member.
The latest chapter in his journey will see Evans serve as executive director of the Laura and Alvin Siegal Lifelong Learning Program, an outreach arm of the university designed to provide members of the community with opportunities for personal enrichment. Evans, who began his role Aug. 28, earned the position following a national search.
“Ted’s deep knowledge of our campus and his involvement with local organizations make him the perfect fit to drive lifelong learning and innovative programs,” said Provost and Executive Vice President Joy K. Ward. “Through his work, he has consistently fostered environments where education, entrepreneurship, and community intersect, enriching lives and driving forward a culture of curiosity and discovery. I’m delighted to have him back on campus.”
Evans returns to his graduate alma mater after several years as director of the entrepreneurship program at Oberlin College and Conservatory, a role in which he coached students through the process of developing, pitching and funding entrepreneurial ideas. While he found the work rewarding, he was excited by the opportunity to again make his mark at Case Western Reserve.
Previously, Evans spent nine years in a variety of roles at the Weatherhead School, including as a program administrator, admissions director for specialty master’s programs, and initially as a management consultant for degree programs. As a consultant, he drew from his 20-year career working in strategy with companies such as Accenture, Grainger, General Electric and Pfizer, to name a few.
Originally from Topeka, Kansas, Evans had a curiosity about business and problem solving since he was a child that led him to earn his undergraduate degree in business from Wilberforce University. While his career took him to Chicago and Atlanta for various opportunities, time spent in Cleveland planted a deep appreciation for the city’s business landscape and academic opportunities—one that kept him engaged as a regular recruiter and speaker for Weatherhead events.
“It may sound cliche, but legitimately it was the people [at CWRU] who brought me back,” said Evans. “In the MBA program, I established relationships with people at all levels, from administrators to senior leadership. I believe in giving back, and I became who I am because of CWRU.”
A vision for the future
Looking ahead, Evans is focused on creating awareness to ensure people can take full advantage of the opportunities Siegal provides. With a strategic and visionary perspective, he is eager to explore new avenues that attract learners from diverse backgrounds and aims to drive social impact through programming, partnerships and other initiatives.
With Evans at the helm for Siegal, university leadership is excited for what’s to come.
“We were really impressed with Ted’s commitment to listening and his understanding of stakeholder interests,” said Dan Lacks, vice provost for interdisciplinary and international initiatives. “We know he is the strong leader we need to guide Siegal into the future.”
Evans is replacing David Fleshler, who is set to become a fellow at the Institute of International Education.
About Siegal Lifelong Learning
Launched in 2012, the Siegal Lifelong Learning Program evolved from an independent college for Jewish studies and broader learning opportunities to become an arm of Case Western Reserve—and its identity only continues to blossom.
Now, Siegal connects the academic world to the wider community through innovative and engaging programming. Adults of all ages pursue their love of learning by participating in courses and lectures, remote learning opportunities, personal enrichment, career development and more.