Brian Evans has never been one to shy away from challenging himself. He runs long distances easily, does 1000 one-handed push-ups daily, and has been to over 60 different countries. Dr. Evans’ biggest challenge yet, however, may be his new role as Faculty in Residence (FIR).

Most students aren’t aware of what a FIR is or what he does. In fact, the program is completely new to the university and Dr. Brian Evans, assistant professor of mathematics, is the first ever FIR.

By placing a faculty member in a residence hall, the university hopes that students get a more on-going, interactive education. The idea is to create a community in which students not only develop educationally, but are provided with a resource in academia.

“Faculty in residence is a program that is designed to bring faculty members into the housing with the students so [that] they are there with a more permanent presence and they are engaging students in activities and events and really being a part of the student life and student affairs,” said Dr. Evans.

There are many roles associated with being the FIR. Dr. Evans is responsible for coordinating events and opening discussion among students and faculty but more importantly he is a liaison between the students and the university.

As a faculty member he has knowledge about the university that many other professionals in housing may not have. As such, he is a fundamental asset for new students who have not quite learned to navigate the university. Not to mention, he is a great resource for academic advising and assistance.

Five minutes with Dr. Evans is enough to understand why he is the FIR. In addition to being an assistant professor of mathematics Dr. Evans has completed an astonishing amount of charity work and outreach, most recently completing a teaching opportunity with Dr. Janet Mulvey in Uganda in August 2011.

Dr. Evans has also traveled to a total of 68 countries and seven continents. He has hiked through mountains in the Himalaya’s and fought off wild dogs in Translyvania. Proficient in karate and a vegan for twenty years, Dr. Evans is willing to share all of his vast knowledge and experiences with anyone who wants to talk.

The best way for students to utilize Dr. Evans is by attending some of his many events. He hosts both formal and informal events every week throughout the semester. Many of the events are about opening up the discussion between Dr. Evans and students through a series of movie-screenings, free dinners and even a cocktail hour.

Junior Christie Homberg said, “He seems like someone that can genuinely connect with students and I think it’s really cool that he has events that bring students together.”

Being the outdoorsman he is, Dr. Evans is also hosting a hiking trip along the Appalachian Trail, a series of self-defense classes and a run along the East River every Saturday.

Dr. Evans is excited about his position and looks forward to interacting with students and helping them have the best college experience possible.

“I’m the first faculty in residence. I’m the only one right now but the goal is to have more of us so there is [sic] a whole bunch of us in housing so there is a resource for students…My goal is essentially that—to engage students and really improve student life around here and have students get a good experience while they’re in college and be a resource,” said Dr. Evans.

The hope of the program is to have as many students as possible use Dr. Evans as an asset.

Elena Marmo, sophomore said, “Brian Evans is absolutely amazing! …He is a great resource to have on campus and I am so happy to have him!”

Living conveniently in 106 Fulton Dr. Evans has open office hours every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. On Tuesdays from 4-7 p.m., he hosts a tea-time in his apartment. Students should feel free to stop by and chat with the new FIR and pick the brain of one of the most interesting faculty members in the university.

“We serve as a resource for students,” said Dr. Evans, “and the research shows schools that have faculty in residency programs generally increase student retention because the students feel more connected to the university. From the university side that’s the purpose, engaging students and making them feel connected and keeping them in college.”

VISIT

Dr. Brian Evans,

Faculty in Residence for Office of Housing and Residential Life

Mon. 8 AM- 9 AM | 163 Williams, 11th Floor

Tues. 4 PM-7 PM | Fulton Hall, Apt. 1504

Wed. 9 PM-10 PM | Fulton Hall, Apt. 1504

Also available by appointment by emailing

[email protected].