 Wanda Everage |
CONTACT: Lisa Lacher, 515-271-3119, lisa.lacher@drake.edu
Wanda Everage, vice provost for student affairs and academic excellence at Drake University, has been recognized for distinguished achievements by Iowa State University’s College of Human Sciences.
Everage, who holds a bachelor’s degree from Drake and received both a master’s degree in educational administration and a Ph.D. in higher education from Iowa State, was cited as a champion for students of color and the underserved.
Cheryl Achterberg, human sciences dean at Iowa State, presented the Virgil S. Lagomarcino Laureate Award to Everage on Friday, Oct. 19, as part of the Iowa State University Alumni Honors and Awards Ceremony.
The Lagomarcino Laureate designation is bestowed to Iowa State alumni who are nationally and internationally recognized for meritorious service or distinguished achievement in the field of education.
Larry Ebbers, a professor in the Iowa State Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, nominated Everage for the award and described her as “a champion for people of color and the underserved.”
Before coming to Drake in 1988, Everage served as vice principal at Des Moines Roosevelt High School. She demonstrates extraordinary talent for helping others become better students, better citizens and better human beings. Under her leadership, Drake University’s already-strong retention rate improved by 7 percent over the past five years.
A highly regarded speaker, Everage also extends her leadership and vision to a multitude of change-agent organizations. She has served on the Iowa Board of Parole, the Iowa Commission on the Status of African Americans, Orchard Place and Partners in Economic Progress.
“Wanda Everage is one of those rare people whose presence and commitment shape an institution and shape the experience of those who pass through it,” said Drake President David Maxwell.