Dr. Scotney Evans, Associate Professor in the Department of Educational and Psychological Studies at the University of Miami, embodies dedication to community-engaged research and teaching. With a focus on collaboration and social action in psychology, Evans integrates community partnerships into his academic pursuits, reshaping the conventional boundaries between researchers and participants.
Evans emphasizes the shift from viewing communities as mere subjects to active collaborators, allowing them to help guide the research process. “Community psychology differs slightly from traditional psychology in that we are interested in the context of people's development and well-being,” said Evans, underscoring the importance of understanding individuals within their social environments.
His teaching spans courses like "Understanding Human Service Organizations" and "Organizational Development Theory and Change," where students engage with local organizations through case studies. This reciprocal learning experience fosters deeper insights for both students and community partners.
Central to Evans’ work is examining power dynamics and their impact on well-being. His research team, the "Engagement, Power, and Social Action Research Team," is committed to exploring these themes and supporting grassroots efforts. “I utilize an action research approach with community partners to uncover injustice and build community capacity for social change,” said Evans. This approach aligns with the principles of critical community psychology, which Evans describes as transformative and action-oriented, seeking not just to critique but to drive social justice.
“Research with this disciplinary grounding is transformative, participatory, practical, and oriented towards social change,” said Evans.
Evans employs action research, blending qualitative and quantitative methods to build knowledge that informs social change.
“I use research to help inform [community groups’] actions while simultaneously learning from their efforts,” said Evans. This hands-on methodology aids community groups in their endeavors while offering him valuable learning experiences in return.
Beyond his teaching and research, Evans is the editor of Collaborations: A Journal of Community-Based Research and Practice, reinforcing his commitment to advancing community-focused scholarship.
“Critical inquiry of this kind deliberately shifts the gaze from ‘what’s wrong with that person?’ to ‘what are the policies, institutions, and social arrangements that help to form and deform, enrich and limit, human development?’” said Evans, quoting Torre et al. His work exemplifies the integration of research, teaching, and activism to promote social transformation and community empowerment.
