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Dr. Maya Angelou Evans, founder of Leverage Education, is a visionary higher education leader and principal strategist specializing in creating transformative opportunities for mission-driven organizations. With a foundational education that includes a Bachelor’s degree from Washington University in St. Louis and advanced Master's and PhD degrees in Political Science from the University of Illinois Chicago, she possesses an exceptional academic background underpinning her professional expertise.
Currently at the helm of UW-Madison Online as an Internal Education Consultant, Dr. Evans provides strategic leadership to develop a vision for online programming that prioritizes accessibility, inclusiveness, and innovative solutions meeting the demands of the global educational landscape. Over her distinguished career, she has catalyzed growth for institutions through roles at Oakton Community College, Mount Mary University, Rhodes College, and 2U among others, where her leadership, data-driven strategies, and focus on equity have left an impactful legacy.
Through Leverage Education, Dr. Evans has secured over $3 million in grants since 2022, while supporting initiatives that generated $35 million in private philanthropy. Her consulting work extends to addressing sector-defining challenges in higher education, helping institutions to align with future trends in workforce development, digital equity, and sustainability models. Leveraging her expertise, she continues to mentor leaders, champion equity-focused innovations, and bridge the gap between strategic ambitions and operational readiness.
