Meet Associate Dean for Student Services, Evelyn Hanna

Evelyn Hanna, who holds BA, MEd, and EdD degrees from Rutgers, and who, from 1999 until 2016, had served variously as program development specialist, director for women in engineering programs, assistant dean for women in engineering initiatives, and as assistant dean for engineering education. She returned to SoE in January 2026 as associate dean for student services after holding positions at Princeton University and Kent Place School where she was director of the upper school. For her, a return to the School of Engineering in her new role has brought her full circle, in a professional homecoming. 

"Take charge of your Rutgers education. Seize available opportunities and don't speed through your undergraduate years." -Evelyn Hanna

Why Rutgers?

Growing up in Hudson County, I held several jobs in the food industry and aspired to become a chef. College was not in my plans, but I applied to Rutgers on somewhat of a dare. I was good at math and science and got into the School of Engineering. Ilene Rosen, who retired last year as associate dean for student services, called me and turned my life around by convincing me to do the five-week summer Educational Opportunity Fund, or EOF, program. Ilene had a profound impact on generations of students, and I was one of them. 

Why did you end up as a math major?

I wanted to be a high school math teacher, but at the time SoE students couldn't apply to the RU 4+1 accelerated master's degree program. So, I switched my major to math. 

Why did you end up as a math major? 

I wanted to be a high school math teacher, but at the time SoE students couldn’t apply to the RU 4+1 accelerated master’s degree program. So, I switched my major to math.

What do you value most about your own Rutgers education?

The wealth of content knowledge, the skills and resiliency to solve problems, and the invaluable network of people.

How did you first come to work with Ilene Rosen?

She hired me to fill in while someone was out on leave—and I stayed for 13 years. I was able to give back to a community that gave me so much. 

I see Ilene as a model, but she taught me to pave my own path by encouraging me to learn and grow. I credit her with my professional foundation. I've adopted this in my leadership style. 

What prompted your return to Rutgers as associate dean for student services?

This was always my professional dream. I learned a lot from my opportunities outside of Rutgers, but I knew I wanted to come back.

Another reason is that I wanted to partner with faculty and staff to help our incredibly dynamic and talented students innovate a world in a connected community where they can succeed.

What are you most enjoying in your new role?

It's been great reconnecting with some colleagues I worked with before, and it's great to get to know new colleagues. A 2008 graduate even stopped by to say hello, so I've been enjoying seeing former students as I'm getting to know current students. I'm privileged to help them with their journey.

I genuinely love getting to know people.

What are some of your responsibilities?

Reporting to Peng Song, associate dean for undergraduate education, I oversee a host of programs—from the Office of Academic Services, or OAS, which is responsible for academic advising and first-year and transfer programs to recruitment and outreach programs—that support our current students and welcome new ones. The Office of Access and Inclusion, which is home to the EOF program and many other excellent student development initiatives, is also within my area.

I'm also the primary advisor to the Engineering Governing Council, which supports all engineering student organizations.

What advice do you have for new students?

It's a huge leap from high school to your undergraduate years. One of the biggest things my EOF summer program taught me was to take charge of my education and what was in my control. Take charge of and responsibility for your Rutgers education. Seize available opportunities, connect with the community, and don't speed through your undergraduate years.