The Clark State College Board of Trustees has named Evon Walters, Ed.D., as the next president of Clark State College.
Following a comprehensive national search, the Clark State College Board of Trustees has named Evon Walters, Ed.D., as the next president of Clark State College. Walters will assume the role on July 1, succeeding Jo Alice Blondin, Ph.D., who will retire after 13 years as president and 33 years in higher education.
“Dr. Walters will be a tremendous addition to Clark State and to our community,” said Sharon Evans, chair of the Clark State Board of Trustees. “Thanks to the exceptional leadership of Dr. Blondin and the dedication of our faculty and staff, the college is positioned for continued momentum and success. I am confident Dr. Walters will build on that foundation through his visionary approach that is needed as higher education navigates new challenges. Under his direction, Clark State will continue to thrive and remain a place where students can achieve their goals.
“I also want to thank the search committee for its hard work and commitment throughout this process,” Evans continued. “Their thoughtful collaboration and diligence were essential to a successful search.”
The presidential search was supported by a committee of faculty, staff, students and community members who reviewed applicants and helped identify semifinalist and finalist candidates, as well as community input after forums during which each finalist presented their vision for the college’s future.
“The search process was comprehensive and guided by a wide range of perspectives across the campus and community,” said David Ball, chair of the Presidential Search Committee and member of the Clark State Board of Trustees. “Throughout the process, Dr. Walters consistently demonstrated the experience, leadership and commitment to student success that align with Clark State’s priorities, values and vision for the future.”
Blondin also expressed her support for her successor.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as president of Clark State College, and I am proud of all we have accomplished together,” said Blondin. “As I step into retirement, I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Walters as our next leader. His proven vision, deep understanding of higher education and commitment to student success make him exceptionally well-suited to guide Clark State into its next chapter of growth and excellence. I have every confidence that under his leadership, our college will continue to thrive and make a lasting impact on our students and community.”
In his current role, as vice president of strategic initiatives and community engagement at the Community College of Allegheny County, Walters oversees community relations and strategic planning across four campuses that serve approximately 30,000 credit and non-credit students annually across more than 130 academic and workforce programs. In his time there, he established one of the nation’s first Digital Inclusion Centers supporting underserved communities and also launched an Innovative Learning STEM Achievers Program, expanding pathways for rural, female and underrepresented middle school students.
Walters began his career at the University of Massachusetts and has since held senior leadership roles at multiple colleges including Montgomery County Community College and Suffolk County Community College, while also teaching and serving on numerous Boards that shape initiatives to advance student success and institutional growth.
His previous awards include the 2024 Pittsburgh Courier Men of Excellence, the Exemplary Service Award for Education from the Iota Phi chapter of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity and being named an American Council on Education Fellow.
Walters earned his bachelor’s degree in health care administration, his master’s degree in higher education staff development and his doctorate in higher education administration, all from the University of Massachusetts.
“It is a privilege to be selected as the next president of Clark State College,” Walters said. “Clark State has a strong legacy of excellence, an unwavering commitment to student success and plays a vital role in preparing students for meaningful careers while supporting economic growth in the region. I am honored to join this community and build on the foundation established under Dr. Blondin’s leadership by working together to advance innovation, expand access and opportunities for all, and ensure every student has the support and resources they need to thrive.”