Louwanda Evans

Louwanda Evans serves as Associate Professor of Sociology, Chair of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, and Director of African American Studies at Millsaps College. Her career pivoted from physical therapy to sociology after an introductory course ignited her passion for social justice, community engagement, and amplifying marginalized voices through education.

Her educational credentials include:

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

Dr. Evans' research critically examines systemic racism's impact on emotional labor, particularly among DEI professionals and Black communities facing police terror. Her work bridges racial health disparities, gender dynamics, and institutional micro-resistance, emphasizing community-centered methodologies and social justice praxis.

Her accolades feature:

• American Sociological Association's Oliver Cromwell Cox Award for groundbreaking research on racialized emotional labor
• Division of Sciences Teaching Award recognizing pedagogical excellence

As an educator, she mentors students across courses including Sociology of Gender, African Americans and Latinos, and Health & Illness. While specific grant details are unlisted, her Harvard Business Review publications on DEI burnout demonstrate applied research influencing organizational practices. Her leadership extends to program development through the African American Studies directorship.