Katherine Evans

Katherine Evans is a Professor in Recreation Management & Therapeutic Recreation at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Her research focuses on social justice in leisure, outdoor adventure recreation, women’s physically active leisure, non-profit leadership, youth development, and leisure education. She is recognized for her contributions to empowering marginalized groups through leisure activities and has been actively involved in curriculum development and community engagement initiatives.

Dr. Evans has been honored as a Wisconsin Teaching Fellow and Scholar of the UW System in 2023, reflecting her dedication to teaching and scholarly work in education. She has also presented at various conferences, including the Academy of Leisure Sciences, discussing topics such as the role of leisure in eliminating violence against women and girls and gender differences in sports participation.

Her publications highlight evidence-based interventions for youth empowerment, particularly girls in outdoor activities, and structural models analyzing gender disparities in sports. She emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, as seen in her involvement with the Wisconsin Teaching Fellows and contributions to community-based projects integrating university research with curriculum.