Senior Spotlight: Kate Evans

Kate started teaching technical communication in Washington D.C. at George Washington University, George Mason University, and Northern Virginia Community College in the 1970s. In 1980, she began teaching at Portland Community College. In 1986, she helped create PCC's Technical and Professional Writing Certificate Program, and has been involved ever since. Her responsibilities have included program management, student advising, job referrals, publicity, course development, and instruction.

A conversation with Kent Fixman, a D.C. neighbor, was a career turning point for Kate. Kent had just rotated into the Training Department of the General Accounting Office and wondered why GAO was flying in a professor from Cleveland to teach audit report writing when there were at least eight colleges in the D.C. area. He asked Kate if she would like to teach the class. This led to developing and teaching classes at the GAO and at the Interagency Auditor Training Programs. Kate has written two audit report publications: How to Avoid the Gobbledygook Disease and Successful Audit Report Writing.

Kate served as the WVC Secretary for seven years, from 1996-2003. The position enabled her to contribute to the chapter and to promote chapter activities with her students. Many graduates of PCC certificate program have contributed to the chapter, including immediate past president Kymm Nelsen, former newsletter editors Robin Schuckmann and Cindy Reid, current newsletter editor Kevin Cox, former hospitality manager Jon Harvey, and former publicity manager Patrice Dodd. Over the years, many certificate students have also contributed to the chapter newsletter.

Kate is very interested in the fate of the Technical and Professional Writing Certificate Program. Due to budget cuts, many PCC programs have been cut, reduced, or put on hold. The certificate program is on hold for the 2003-2004 academic year. During this time, PCC will be redesigning the program, including putting more of the classes online. If you have any suggestions about additions to PCC's program, please contact Kate at 503.614.7340 or kevans@pcc.edu.