Louwanda Evans

Louwanda Evans is an Associate Professor of Sociology, Chair of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, and Director of African American Studies at Millsaps College. She holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from Texas A&M University, with prior degrees from the University of Texas at Arlington. Her expertise spans racial and ethnic relations, emotional labor, crime, law, and deviance. Evans is a vocal advocate for social justice and community engagement, emphasizing the role of sociology in addressing systemic inequities.

• Education:
  • B.A. in Sociology, University of Texas at Arlington
  • M.A. in Sociology, University of Texas at Arlington
  • Ph.D. in Sociology, Texas A&M University

Her research focuses on the intersections of race, emotion, and institutional structures. Recent work examines DEI professionals’ emotional labor, the psychological impacts of systemic racism on Black communities, and criminal justice reform. Evans has received prestigious awards, including the ASA Oliver Cromwell Cox Award for her article on micro-resistance in white institutions and the Division of Sciences Teaching Award.

Her teaching portfolio includes courses on crime and prisons, poverty, research methods, and the sociology of gender. She prioritizes student-driven inquiry and practical applications of sociological theory. Evans actively collaborates with community organizations to bridge academic research and real-world challenges.