EVELYN E. JORGENSON, PH.D. PRESIDENT, NORTHWEST ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Evelyn and her husband moved to Northwest Arkansas in 2013 after she accepted the position of President at NorthWest Arkansas Community College, which she began on July 1 of that year. She served as president of Moberly Area Community College in Moberly, Missouri, for 17 years before accepting the position of president of NWACC. Raised in Missouri, she also began her career in higher education in the ‘80s. She and her husband have two grown children and two grandchildren.
Education: Ph.D. Higher & Adult Education Administration, University of Missouri M.Ed. Higher & Adult Education Administration, University of Missouri B.F.A. Fine Arts with emphasis in painting and mixed-media, Columbia College A.A. transfer degree/arts, State Fair Community College
Did you always know what you wanted to do? I was a child in the ‘50s and ‘60s. Little girls were told they had about three options in life, outside of being a stay-at-home mom, and those were: a nurse, a teacher or a secretary. I didn’t know I wanted to be a college president until much later. I always enjoyed learning, helping and teaching my younger sister and brothers. I was drawn to teaching, but didn’t grow to realize the leadership opportunities until later on.
First big break: When I was offered the position of Assistant to the President at Moberly Area Community College. The president at that time gave me the opportunity to work, watch, listen and learn about the tremendous responsibilities of the president of a college. He served as my mentor.
What nonprofits are you involved with, and why? I serve on the board of the NWA Food Bank, because the need is great and individuals in our society who are hungry have little opportunity to reach their full potential if they are barely able to feed themselves or their families. I also serve on the board of the Literacy Council of Benton County. It’s important work to help people reach a literacy level that allows them opportunities to advance in society.
Who is your biggest inspiration? My father, who himself was not well-educated but always encouraged me and valued higher education, inspired me. In addition to him, I am always inspired by strong, confident women.
Personal Mantra: Be thoughtful, be strong … then act with respect and civility toward all.
Advice you’d give to other working women/moms: Take time to enjoy life, laugh at the craziness of it all, prioritize what needs to be done and don’t ever underestimate the importance and value to your life and to society by being a good parent.
How are you practicing self-care? For me, it helps to prioritize, make lists that I can check off and know what I’ve accomplished that day … then do something that I enjoy — paint, sew, read a good book, take a nature-walk, enjoy a glass of wine, practice “dirttherapy” in my flowerbeds, or visit with my children and grandchildren.