School of Undergraduate Studies
Stanley J. Drazek
Teaching Excellence Award Recipient

Evelyn J. Bata

Evelyn Bata began her career at UMUC as an undergraduate student, graduating with a bachelor’s degree with a specialization in English. She returned in 1997 to teach various courses in counseling, communication, and psychology in Bosnia, Belgium, Iceland, the Azores, Germany, and Japan. In 2001, her world travels brought her back to Adelphi, where she began to teach psychology and gerontology full-time both in local classrooms and online.

In addition to her tireless work with students, Dr. Bata supports the university through her service on the Board of Visitors, which advises the university president. Over the years, her service has extended into the community at large through participation in organizations such as the Mental Health Association of Prince George’s County, the U.S. Air Force National Security Forum, and the Maryland Department of Economic and Community Development Advisory Commission. She has been honored with numerous state and local awards and citations for her leadership.

Dr. Bata’s teaching and personal example have made an impact on her students. One student wrote, “I believe the lessons I have learned in Women and Aging have been life-altering for me. She has made me think about the aging process in a completely different way, and it makes me believe that my life will not be over when I am 70 or 80; rather I am simply entering into a new phase in my life that is still full of challenges, excitement, and wonderful times.”

Dr. Bata knows from experience how UMUC can touch students. “I knew that there was something special about this teaching environment that motivated and enabled me to graduate and to achieve advanced degrees. So, here I am giving back!”