Student Affairs Names Witherspoon Evans Director of Veteran and Military-Affiliated Student Center

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Megan Witherspoon Evans

Megan Witherspoon Evans has been named the director of the Veteran and Military-Affiliated Student Center.  

"The military has been part of my life since my first breath, as I was born on an air force base and my parents were both on active duty," Evans said. "I spent most of my childhood near bases as they continued to serve in the reserves. My dad was called to active duty during Operation Desert Storm and retired as a lieutenant colonel with 30 years of service when I was in high school. Prior to being in the Air Force, he served in the Navy." 

Evans' husband is also a combat veteran with multiple tours of duty in Afghanistan. Though she did not serve herself, she is surrounded by these family members as well as grandparents, in-laws, and friends who have served. 

"As an active observer and military family member, I have a wealth of adjacent knowledge that helps me relate to and empathize with both veterans and their dependents who are coming through our office on a daily basis," Evans said. "So, advocating for the veteran and military-affiliated students is absolutely something that speaks to my heart." 

Evans earned her Bachelor of Arts in communication from the University of Arkansas in May 2006, and her Master of Arts from the U of A in communication in May 2008. She started her career in housing as a student in a resident assistant position and progressively advanced through the housing departments at three different institutions. She worked at Baylor University, Texas Christian University, and most recently was the associate director for residence education for University Housing here at the University of Arkansas. 

"Housing is by and large a generalist training ground. Most functional areas of student affairs are very focused on a particular population, but, in housing, we dabble in a bit of everything and work with almost everyone," Evans said. "I have had the opportunity to learn a lot from students of all backgrounds. Because of this, you also see housing professionals move into other offices around campuses."  

Evans is only the second person to hold the position of director for the Veterans Center, which opened in July 2009 as the Veterans Resource and Information Center. 

"It is the utmost challenge to build upon the foundation Dr. Erika Gamboa laid. For more than a decade, her voice has driven advocacy for this group of students, and she grew this from a 1-person shop to a robust and lively office serving several hundred students," Evans said.  

With transition comes change but Evans feels the VMASC team will be able to continue the legacy of what Gamboa, a US Army Reserves veteran, built.  

"Megan Witherspoon Evans is passionate about leading our Veteran and Military-Affiliated Student Center," said Jeremy Battjes, vice chancellor for Student Affairs. "She not only grew up in a military family, but her leadership experience in housing has prepared her to help students navigate campus life. Her excitement and extensive work supporting students make her the right individual to lead VMASC into the future." 

 Military affiliation comes in a variety of forms and is not solely linked to students who served or are currently serving. In 2022, the office changed from the Veterans Resource and Information Center to the Veterans and Military-Affiliated Student Center.  

"The name was changed to represent the hundreds of spouses and children of service members, which we serve. The military-affiliated population is an extremely diverse group with a variety of backgrounds and life experiences that they bring to this campus," Evans said. "No two military experiences are the same. Each experience and affiliation require different services. Our office is here to get to know the students and help them find their path while at the U of A."   

 "Most of our students are visiting us to certify their military education benefits," Evans said.  

Staff in VMASC also connect students with scholarships, community organizations, and campus resources such as the Offices of Career Connections, Center for Educational Access, and UA Cares.  

"We host social and educational events in partnership with other offices or organizations, including our own registered student organization — Razorback Student Veterans," Evans said. "The physical space is also an important part of the service of VMASC as students can come in to ask questions, use the computer lab, grab a snack or item from our food pantry, or just hang out or study." 

 Veterans Day is this Saturday, Nov. 11, and there have been several events this week for our veterans on campus. 

"We hosted a lunch for our students in the VMASC office on Thursday. Several other programs happened throughout the week in partnership with ASG, the Walton M.B.A. Do Good project, the Armed Forces Alumni Society, the Armed Forces Employee Impact Group, the Wounded Warrior Project, and Home for Dinner, a local NWA non-profit organization," Evans said. 

Evans is on-boarding several new staff members including herself. There will be two more full time positions, a graduate student, and several undergraduate student positions. Returning staff has been working hard during this time of vacancy to process benefits and support the students.  

"With getting fully staffed, we are excited to continue our excellent services and also add additional opportunities to create community among the veteran and miliary-affiliated students, staff, and faculty," Evans said. "We also hope to open pathways for professional networking and career exploration." 

The Veteran and Military-Affiliated Student Center is located at 640 N. Garland Ave. in Suites 115-116. 

About the Division of Student Affairs: The Division of Student Affairs supports students in their pursuit of knowledge, earning a degree, finding meaningful careers, and connecting with the global community. We provide students housing, dining, and health care and wellness resources, create innovative programs that educate and inspire, and offer inclusive support for a diverse student body. We enhance the University of Arkansas experience and help students succeed, one student at a time.