At the age of 57, following graduation from the University of Oklahoma College of Law, Stanley L. Evans was named assistant dean of students—the first African American to be appointed to a dean position at an Oklahoma law school. In his first year, incoming minority enrollment nearly doubled. During his tenure, OU Law achieved a 100% minority bar passage rate multiple times and was named one of the top 20 law schools for diversity experience by U.S. News & World Report.

A proud veteran, serving 32 years in the Army, including in Vietnam as a company commander, Evans was the first African American to command Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, and serve as dean of the prestigious Command and General Staff College, in addition to presenting a $120 million project to Congress for the construction of a 413,000-square-foot instruction facility.

Appointed by Governors Frank Keating and Brad Henry to the Oklahoma Human Rights Commission, as chair Evans was responsible for overseeing investigations of human rights violations; advised the legislature and government officials on laws and policy; provided public recognition for exemplary human rights contributions; and educated Oklahomans on proper and ethical human rights treatment. The Oklahoma Lawyers for America’s Heroes Program, in which Evans is one of the founders, has helped more than 4,000 veterans and their families with free legal service. As chief legal coordinator for Oklahoma City’s Make-A-Will Program, over 900 African American families have been given access to financial planning and wealth management.

Evans’ efforts have earned him numerous awards, including the Oklahoma Bar Association’s Trailblazer Award, two Oklahoma Governor’s Commendations, and the military’s Distinguished Service Medal and the Bronze Star. In 2020 he was inducted to the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame and was named an U. S. Army Distinguished Member of the Signal Regiment.