Life & Work with Dexter Evans

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dexter Evans. They and their team shared their story with us below:

Dexter D. Evans is the big cheese at the National Museum of African American Music these days. He’s in charge of bringing in the bucks through fundraising and getting companies, foundations, and generous folks to partner up with the museum. And get this – he got promoted to head up development less than a year after joining NMAAM! Pretty impressive, right?

Before taking the reins in 2022, Dexter was running the show as Executive Director of FRIENDS of Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy back in Dallas. He kept their $1 million budget in check and managed everything from people to programs to bringing in donations. Before that, Dexter moved up the ranks over 7 years at the historically Black Paul Quinn College. He went from admissions guy to student affairs dude to alumni affairs man, even serving as the president’s right-hand man and Associate Dean of Students and Alumni. During that time, he raised a whopping $3 million for the school!

Dexter’s still reppin’ his alma mater as President of the Paul Quinn College National Alumni Association. He’s also on the board of Nashville Emerging Leaders, a big deal leadership program in Music City. He’s won tons of awards, including Paul Quinn Student of the Year and Young Alumnus of the Year. An Ivy League school even gave him props for his leadership and innovation!

This HBCU grad got his bachelor’s degree in legal studies from Paul Quinn College before becoming the first Paul Quinn alum to graduate from an Ivy League school. He got a master’s degree in Higher Education and a certificate in Africana Studies from the University of Pennsylvania. Dexter also has a certificate from Georgetown University and is in the inaugural cohort for the professional doctorate in philanthropic leadership at Indiana University. Whew, that’s a lot of degrees!

In a nutshell, Dexter has gone from Paul Quinn’s student leader to development director at a national museum. Throughout his career, he’s made an impact by bringing in major money and advancing the mission of HBCUs and Black institutions. It’s all pretty impressive for this proud HBCU alum!

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It seems like Dexter has faced his fair share of challenges and struggles on his journey but has ultimately persevered through determination, hard work, and support from mentors.

Some of the key struggles he has faced include:

– Growing up in poverty with a young, single mother – Dexter had to mature quickly and find mentors and father figures outside of his home environment.

– Being a Black student at a predominantly white school – He had to navigate racism and be comfortable standing out.

– Having a low GPA in high school – His grades suffered as he focused more on band than academics, which made getting into college difficult.

– Financial challenges with paying for college – Dexter had to get creative, enlist in the Army Reserves, and take out loans to fund his education.

– Nearly losing accreditation at Paul Quinn College – The school was on the verge of shutting down when Dexter arrived, which must have been demoralizing.

– Leading student protests against city policies – Organizing the “We Are Not Trash” movement took courage and perseverance to create change.

– Depression and introspection during graduate school – Dexter had to work through mental health struggles while at Penn.

– Transitioning to a new city and job – The move to Dallas and new role leading the FRIENDS of BOMLA was a big change.

Overall, Dexter seems to have approached each challenge with tenacity and leaned on mentors and his faith to guide him. His story shows how support systems and self-belief can help propel someone through adversity.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Thank you for your interest in learning more about my background and experience. As my resume indicates, I specialize in fundraising, community engagement, and mentoring young leaders in the nonprofit sector. Here are a few highlights of my work:

I’m most proud of uplifting marginalized communities through education, activism, and philanthropy. As a student leader, I helped organize impactful protests against unjust city policies harming communities of color. After college, I worked my way up at my alma mater, helping rebuild and transform the struggling HBCU.

Now, as a nonprofit executive, I get to invest in the next generation of young leaders. I’m known for my ability to connect authentically with students and inspire them to reach their potential. I build deep relationships and uplift others along the way.

What sets me apart is my commitment to hands-on community empowerment. I don’t just talk about equity – I roll up my sleeves and do the work. My own experiences overcoming adversity fuel my passion for expanding access and opportunity.

In summary, I’m a purpose-driven fundraiser and mentor driven by a mission to advance institutions that serve historically marginalized groups. My core values of integrity, service, and justice permeate everything I do.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
Here is what I like best and least about Nashville:

Best:

The music scene – Nashville is Music City, USA, and has an incredible live music culture. There are talented artists everywhere and so many iconic venues.

Southern hospitality – People in Nashville are extremely friendly. There’s a real sense of community and a welcoming spirit.

Least:

Lack of diversity – While becoming more diverse, Nashville still has a ways to go in terms of racial, ethnic, and economic diversity.

Traffic – As the city has grown rapidly, traffic has become a real headache at peak times. Commuting can be frustrating.

Pricing:

• Friend of the Museum NMAAM Membership – $260

Contact Info:

• Website: www.nmaam.org
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/dexterdevans
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/dexterdevans
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/dexterdevans
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/dexterdevans
• Other: www.dexterdevans.com