New chancellor brings worldly experiences to WKU campuses

evelyn_ellis.jpg

Anna Lawson

In just a few short months, Evelyn Ellis, the new regional chancellor of WKU’s Elizabethtown and Fort Knox campus, has already found her job to be a new place to call home. 

“I feel very privileged to be coming to an institution like WKU. I saw a lot of dedication and commitment during the interview process and feel like I can definitely do the job,” Ellis said. 

“The people have all been very friendly and helpful. There is definitely a focus on family. I just get a warm feeling here.” 

The longtime educator took the position on July 28. As chancellor, she will oversee administrative tasks to ensure the efficiency of a plethora of educational programs, student services and facilities management, according to her job description. 

Dennis George, the dean of University College and associate provost for Regional Higher Education, was very impressed with Ellis from the start.

“When she came in for the interview, she had so much passion and enthusiasm for the job. She asked questions and really understood what the job would entail.  

“She just impressed everyone,” he said. “I know that Dr. Ellis will be an outstanding representative of WKU.” 

Ellis heard about the job through a friend who thought it would be a perfect fit.

  “During the interview process, I saw some of Dr. George’s visions and I thought we could work well together,” she said. 

 Ellis set to work immediately to achieve several of the goals and visions that aligned with George’s.

“I really want to see enrollment go up and that we will have a campus of distinction,” she said.

Previously, Ellis was the chief of staff and education operations manager at the U.S. Department of Defense Education Activity in the Department of Defense Dependents’ School in South Korea. Before working overseas, Ellis worked as the associate dean for academic support services at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut. 

“I am always able to drop into a new place and acclimate. I’m a military brat so I’m used to going from place to place,” she said. “My hope is that my past experience in and out of the U.S. will give a foundation to share with others so they can be inspired to expand their own personal horizon.”