Past Presidents

The Evergreen State College has been served by dedicated public servant presidents for more than 50 years. 

George Bridges, Evergreen Past President
George S. Bridges, 2015-2021

Bridges currently serves as a faculty member of Evergreen. He's a lifelong educator and has also been in leadership roles at Whitman College where he was president from 2005 to 2015 and the University of Washington where he was dean of undergraduate education and a professor of sociology.

Les Purce, Evergreen Past President
Thomas L. "Les" Purce, 2000-2015 (1990-92 interim)

In addition to his 16 years as president of Evergreen, Purce served as interim president from 1990 to 1992 and as executive vice president from 1992 to 1995. He spent many years in public service, higher education and private industry. Purce Hall was named in his honor.

Jane Jervis, Evergreen Past President
Jane L. Jervis, 1992 - 2000

Her career before Evergreen had her serving as a dean at both Hamilton and Bowdoin colleges. She's been the academy dean at Goddard College since 2004.
 

Past President, Joe Olander
Joseph D. Olander, 1985-1990

Prior to coming to Evergreen, Olander held various administration positions including vice president for academic affairs and professor of English at the University of Texas at El Paso, as well as executive vice president and professor of political science at Florida International University.

Past President, Richard Schwartz
Richard N. Schwartz, 1983-1985 (interim)

Hired as the vice president for business in 1980, Schwartz became the interim president when Daniel J. Evans was called to fill a U.S. Senate vacancy. He held the position for 18 months until Joseph Olander was hired.

Headshot of Former Evergreen President, Daniel J. Evans
Daniel J. Evans, 1977-1983

Three-term governor of Washington state prior to becoming Evergreen's second president, Dan Evans later served as a U.S. Senator. As governor, Evans signed the legislation authorizing the formation of the college. Evergreen's Library building is named in his honor.

Charles McCann
Charles J. McCann, 1968-1977

McCann served as Evergreen's first president before stepping down to become a member of the faculty. The college's main plaza is named in his honor.