Women’s Own Worth (W.O.W.), a nonprofit organization in Arkansas dedicated to assisting victims of violence, will honor a faculty member from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock as the 2018 Woman of the Year. 

Dr. Jane Evans, associate professor of nursing at UA Little Rock, will be formally recognized as Woman of the Year on Friday, Oct. 12, during WOWAPALOOZA, an annual fundraising event held at the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion in support of W.O.W. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. and feature live music, dinner, and live and silent auctions.

“I am proud that every single day W.O.W helps individuals and families recover their independence and lives,” Evans said. “A nurse’s goal is to assist patients on their journey to wellness. We start with them wherever they are, caring for them in whatever ways necessary, always promoting strength and independence, until they are where they want to be. W.OW. does that too, so it feels right to me.”

Evans is a 1978 graduate of the UA Little Rock Department of Nursing and a lifelong advocate for those in need. She joined UA Little Rock as a faculty member in 2011. Prior to teaching, she served as the executive director for the Arkansas State Hospice and Palliative Care Association. As a registered nurse of over 40 years, Evans has helped countless individuals through nursing, research, publication, education, and volunteerism.  

“I was born in Arkansas and have lived here all my 66 years,” Evans said. “I believe I am a citizen of the world and that we must love and take care of one another.”

Women’s Own Worth is a nonprofit organization in Arkansas with a mission that empowers women and their families to regain their self-worth by enabling them to sustain an independent life after suffering the effects of trauma. More than a support group, W.O.W. offers individualized services in the areas of emotional support, financial support, therapy, and family programs to victims of violence.

Evans has been a volunteer with Women’s Own Worth since the nonprofit organization started in 2012 and has been highly involved with helping W.O.W.’s clients and fundraising.

“Jane has been a tireless promoter of the work Women’s Own Worth does,” said Jajuan Archer, founder of W.O.W. “She has been implemental in providing advocacy and education for victims of violence. She has rallied her troops at the university and the community and her friends to raise money for victims in our state. Jane has been a great lady who wants to do good in her community and state. She has been behind the scenes since our inception, and we wanted to recognize her for her worth.”