Name: Evan Hawkins
Graduated: 1993
Graduated from: After STA, I attended Brebeuf Jesuit and graduated in 1997. I took some time to determine the right academic niche for me and obtained an undergraduate degree from IUPUI. I was later presented with exciting career opportunities, and completed an MBA from the Krannert School of Management. Boiler Up!
Where do you live now: Indianapolis – Meridian Kessler Neighborhood
What have you been up to since STA: I accepted a role with the Indiana Department of Correction and served as the Strategic Planning & Organization Development Director. I saw first-hand how this large and complex organization functioned within Indiana State Government. The most difficult aspect of the role was visiting correctional facilities, meeting offenders and listening to their stories. I became convinced that my purpose was to attempt to make a difference in the lives of youth and to do so in the K-12 education world.
In 2009, my opportunity came in the form of serving in the Tindley Accelerated Schools network. “Tindley”is based in the near east side Meadows neighborhood. A few years later, I was promoted into the role of Chief Operating Officer of Tindley Accelerated Schools. In that position, I was responsible for finance & accounting, human resources, real estate & facilities, and vendor relations.
During my tenure at Tindley, I had the opportunity to further serve my community as a member of the Marion County Public Safety Board and Meadows Community Foundation.
In 2016, I transitioned into higher education administration, and now serve as the Executive Director of Facilities and Procurement at Marian University. In my role, I oversee all physical infrastructures on campus and serve as the primary point-of-contact for all senior administration on matters related to facilities and facilities operations, including development and management of procurement processes.
Marian University is a great place to work. However, my passion remains in the K-12 world, which contributed to my desire to seek public office as an IPS School Board Commissioner. Elected in November of 2018, I have the great honor of representing the residents, business owners, and community of District 3, along with all of the entire IPS Community. IPS has made great strides over the past few years; however, I am convinced that our community cannot rest until all children have access to the very best quality schools regardless of their ethnicity or socioeconomic status.
Family: My amazing wife Carissa and I first met in 2001. Because I clearly took way too much time to propose, we married in 2007. Carissa is a professional photographer and a parent leader at our older daughter’s school. We are blessed to have 2 incredible young girls. Berkeley, who is 7, attends IPS Center for Inquiry School #70 and is in the second grade. Beau is 4 and attends CDI, at Meridian Street United Methodist Church. Both of our girls love art, swimming, riding bikes and Netflix.
What is your favorite STA memory: Honestly, I’m torn. I always loved hot dog days and kickball at recess. However my favorite memory is the persistent encouragement I received from my 8th grade teacher, Mrs. Chapman.
What do you like to do in your spare time: I spend my spare time hanging out with family and friends. When it is warm, you will find us up north at Fox Lake, in Angola, IN.
What words of advice would you offer a current STA student: Cherish your time at STA. Be open to new experiences, and be okay with making mistakes, as you have the opportunity to learn from them.