Evelyn J. Bata, Ph.D.
Prominent in the field of education, business, and women’s issues, Evelyn J. Bata, born in Buffalo, New York, has lived in Maryland most of her life. She holds two Masters Degrees and two doctorates in education, counseling, psychology, and gerontology. Numerous Institutes in Organization Management and Human Resources contributed to her business background.
Dr. Bata, a clinical counselor and University of Maryland University College professor has taught on military bases in Europe and Japan and currently in Maryland. She previously taught in local colleges and introduced programs in multicultural studies and atypical careers for young women in private school systems.
She presents nationally and internationally on topics that include Cyber Teaching and the Global University, Non-traditional Women’s Studies and Personal Growth, Men and a Changing Environment, Aging, and other contemporary issues. Her presentations include universities in China, South Africa, the Czech Republic, and meetings of professional organizations in Europe and the U.S.
Evelyn’s support for student education is reflected in her creation of University of Maryland University College scholarship funds for military families in Europe and Asia (2001, 2006). She has provided generous gifts for traditional students in the U.S. at Washington Adventist University (2007, 2013), as well as funding to initiate a Montgomery College program with mentoring/focused assistance for transitioning to an outside four year academic program (2008-2010).
Dr. Bata has been featured in Women of Achievement in Maryland History, appeared on radio and television interviews, and has authored and is cited in education, counseling, and business articles.
Evelyn broke through the class ceiling for women on corporate boards when she was elected as the first woman director of Suburban Bank (1977). She continued as director of Sovran Bank and NationsBank of Maryland. She advocated practices to ensure equitable treatment in banking services for women and diverse groups.
As the only woman of the five member Prince Georges County Personnel Board, Evelyn emphatically raised the consciousness of members regarding harassment complaints regarding women and championed objective decisions.
Evelyn’s work in social consciousness and women’s issues made a difference for many. As the first elected Chairperson of the Commission for Women in Prince Georges County (1973), she formed a task force on spousal assault and chaired public hearings on battering. This was an impetus to establish a safe house for women and for domestic violence legislation. Evelyn appeared on television shows and other media to call attention to domestic violence.
Dr. Bata made contributions through many organizations. As President of the Maryland State Women’s Political Caucus Evelyn chaired a “Win With Women” program involving state and national elected leaders and women candidates. The event, attended by hundreds of supporters of women candidates, was heavily covered by the media as a “first.”
Championing women’s right in employment, as Program Chair of the Maryland Federation of Business and Professional Women, Evelyn spearheaded the first statewide conference on Economy, Employment, and EEO attended by representatives from business, colleges, unions, and government. The event captured national recognition. Evelyn was selected Maryland Woman of the Year and elected State President.
Appointed to the Maryland Department of Economic and Community Development Advisory Commission, the Maryland State Tourism Task force, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Economic Development Council, the White House Conference on Small Business Selection Board, and the Governor’s Small Business Roundtable, Evelyn worked for greater business opportunities to benefit business and employees. She is the recipient of numerous citations and awards.
Evelyn’s involvement in human support services is noted in her deployment as a Mental Health Member of an American Red Cross Disaster team in shelters in response to Hurricane Katrina, 2005 and Hurricane Gustave, 2008. She served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for Abused Children and a Long Term Care Ombudsman, 2005-2006, and has mentored former women prisoners to reenter the mainstream of life. Evelyn continues to mentor students on life issues once they finish her courses. She ethically provides others with counseling services pro bono.
Overcall, Evelyn continues to work for improved quality of life for others in community, education, and business which she sees as all related.
– THE SCHOOLS –
School of Arts & Social Sciences
The School of Arts & Social Sciences offers a curriculum focused on fostering the development of the skills essential to be successful in the global service economy of the 21st Century: writing, critical thinking, debate, analysis, and an understanding and appreciation for cultural diversity.
School of Health Professions, Science & Wellness
The School of Health Professions, Science & Wellness employs a philosophy that balances practical training and theory in approaching education for future health sciences professionals. We bridge the gap between concept and practice.
School of Graduate & Professional Studies (SGPS)
For more than 30 years, WAU has been a leader in providing career building undergraduate degree programs for working professionals. WAU has continued to expand those offerings by adding graduate programs. This provides undergraduate students the opportunity to transition into graduate programs and continue to enhance their skills and competitive marketability.
