Evon Walters begins tenure as Clark State president

Evon Walters, Ed.D., officially begins his tenure as the sixth president of Clark State College today, July 1, ushering in a new chapter for the college while building on more than six decades of serving students and the region.

Walters succeeds Jo Alice Blondin, Ph.D., who retired after leading the college for 13 years.

“Today marks an exciting new chapter for Clark State,” said Sharon Evans, chair of the Clark State Board of Trustees. “Dr. Walters brings an impressive record of leadership, innovation and collaboration. His commitment to student success and workforce development makes him exceptionally well-positioned to lead the college into the future while building on the strong foundation established by Dr. Blondin.”

Walters brings 25 years of executive leadership experience in higher education, having served as president, campus CEO and vice president of student affairs and enrollment management at institutions across the country. Most recently, he served as vice president of strategic initiatives and community engagement at the Community College of Allegheny County, where he led community partnerships and strategic planning to expand student access and success.

Nationally recognized for his leadership, Walters has spearheaded innovative student success initiatives, strengthened workforce partnerships, increased enrollment and secured significant investments to support student learning.

He is a recipient of the Phi Theta Kappa Paragon Award for Presidents, was named an American Council on Education Fellow and was honored as a 2024 Man of Excellence by the New Pittsburgh Courier.

"It is an honor to officially begin serving as president of Clark State College," Walters said. “From the moment I stepped on campus, I have been inspired by the passion and commitment of our faculty, staff and students. Clark State has a remarkable legacy of changing lives through education and I look forward to working together to build on that success, strengthen our partnerships and create even more opportunities for our students and the communities we serve.”

Walters earned his bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Massachusetts, where he also lettered in track and field.

Clark State College serves more than 5,000 students annually through associate and bachelor’s degrees, certificate programs, workforce training and College Credit Plus opportunities. With locations in Springfield, Beavercreek, Bellefontaine and Xenia, the college remains committed to providing affordable, high-quality education that transforms lives and strengthens the region’s workforce.