Dr. Cheryl Evans named to Essex County Vicinage Committee

^{By: Andrew Mees, Director of College and Athletics Communications communications@bloomfield.edu}

Bloomfield College Teacher Education professor Dr. Cheryl Evans accepted a seat on one of the county’s most influential groups this February, as the longtime instructor took her place on the Essex County Vicinage Committee on Minority Concerns.

Bringing diverse groups of volunteers together with judges, court staff, and other members of the public, the Committee examines issues of importance to racial/ethnic minorities and the community at-large in gaining fair and equitable access to court services and programs.  The committee also recommends initiatives to promote equality, fairness and integrity in court programs and services that benefit all users, and reviews local efforts to implement the recommendations of the standing Supreme Court Committee on Minority Concerns.

Dr. Evans is the first Bloomfield College Faculty member to be named to the entity in the institution’s history, further broadening her impact on the study of the societal landscape that surrounds the institution.

“Any opportunity to represent the interests of the segment of the population that the College serves is to the long-term benefit of the community as a whole, and thus the College,” Dr. Evans said of the position. “I also believe it will increase our visibility in a positive way as an institution, while allowing us to create positive change in our surrounding community.  I am looking forward to making an impact as a member of this committee.”

An educator for 48 years, Dr. Evans has been a professor at Bloomfield since 1998, serving in various roles within the Education department and the institution, including director of the school’s Project GRAD Summer Institute in 1999 and 2000; coordinating the Kellman Course in the Humanities from 2001-2011; serving as Education Division Chairperson from 2008-2009 after the death of Dr. Elena Scambio, and she is currently the Chair of the Bloomfield College Faculty.  She is the first person of color in Bloomfield’s history to be elected to the position.

"Dr. Evans has committed her entire career to the study of cultural and societal issues, so I am thrilled that she will continue to expand her incredible impact by sitting on the Essex County Vicinage Committee,” vice president for Academic Affairs Marion Terenzio said.  “Her wisdom and strong voice for change will undoubtedly be a welcomed addition, and I know she will be a tremendous asset in her new role."