Smith-Evans ’99 New VP for Institutional Diversity & Equity

Leticia Smith-Evans ’99 joined the campus community July 1 as vice president for institutional diversity and equity, succeeding Mike Reed ’75, who’s now a VP at Dickinson College.

In this role, she’ll lead efforts to develop programs and policies strengthening Williams’ commitment to equity and inclusion. She’ll also support the college’s work to diversify its faculty and staff and provide leadership nationally, including within the consortium of Liberal Arts Diversity Officers.

Smith-Evans previously served as interim director of the Education Practice of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund Inc. (LDF), working for racial justice within communities and managing the education practice of an organization that’s played a historic role in the advancement of equity.

In announcing her appointment to Williams, President Adam Falk stated: “Her colleagues at LDF and elsewhere speak powerfully of Leticia’s ability to advocate change, think strategically, build relationships and roll up her sleeves to get things done.”

Smith-Evans earned a Ph.D. in educational leadership and policy analysis and a law degree at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. She is an active member of the Williams Black Alumni Network.