Mary Evansen to retire as DoIT Communications director
A message from Chief Information Officer Lois Brooks:
After 37 years of distinguished service to UW–Madison, Mary Evansen, director of DoIT Communications, will retire in July. Lauren Bruce, communications manager, will serve as interim director beginning June 29.
Mary and Lauren are working together to ensure a smooth leadership transition. Lauren brings 5 years of experience leading strategic communications for DoIT, along with an extensive background in digital marketing and communications from her previous role at Purdue University. Lauren’s proven track record and collaborative approach make her an excellent choice to lead our communications efforts during this transition.
Please join me in thanking Mary for her exceptional service and in welcoming Lauren to her new role. We look forward to celebrating Mary’s legacy and supporting Lauren as she leads our communications team into the future.
Mary Evansen’s 37-year career at UW–Madison has been nothing short of transformational for the Division of Information Technology (DoIT) and the broader university community. Her ability to lead through complex organizational change while remaining steadfastly focused on student and employee needs has left a lasting impact.
Mary began her UW–Madison journey in 1988 at the Madison Academic Computing Center (MACC), steadily advancing through a variety of roles as the organization evolved into DoIT in 1994. From her early days as a marketing specialist to her current role as director, Mary has demonstrated unwavering dedication to the university’s technological advancement and student experience.
Throughout her tenure, Mary has played a pivotal role in shaping the university’s digital landscape. She was instrumental in launching InfoLabs across campus libraries in the early 2000s, and she led student engagement efforts during the DoIT Tech Store’s peak, creating events that made DoIT a visible, student-centered service provider.
As director of Communications, Mary has led a high-performing team of communications and design professionals, overseeing strategic messaging for major IT initiatives. She led the university-wide communications for the launch of multi-factor authentication and was instrumental in the development of DoIT’s vision, mission and guiding principles. Her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was especially impactful, as she served as the lead IT communications liaison for the university’s emergency response, ensuring timely and effective outreach during a critical period.
Mary’s influence extends beyond communications. She has served on more than 20 university and Big Ten committees, including co-chairing the Big Ten Academic Alliance IT Communications Group and serving on the EDUCAUSE IT Communications Cabinet.
Mary’s legacy is one of innovation, collaboration and deep care for the people and mission of UW–Madison. Her contributions have not only shaped the university’s IT communications strategy but have also inspired a culture of excellence and mentorship that will continue to benefit the UW community for years to come.
I know we’ll all miss Mary’s presence in the division, but her influence will continue long past July 1. For now, please join me in congratulating her on a well-earned retirement.
Best,
Lois Brooks
Join us in celebrating Mary
There will be a retirement celebration for Mary in June. This informal gathering is open to all colleagues who have worked with her throughout her career.- Date: Thursday, June 12, 2025*
- Time: 3pm to 6pm
- Location: Memorial Union Terrace
Mary’s remarkable legacy
Mary Evansen’s 37-year career at UW–Madison has been nothing short of transformational for the Division of Information Technology (DoIT) and the broader university community. Her ability to lead through complex organizational change while remaining steadfastly focused on student and employee needs has left a lasting impact.
Mary began her UW–Madison journey in 1988 at the Madison Academic Computing Center (MACC), steadily advancing through a variety of roles as the organization evolved into DoIT in 1994. From her early days as a marketing specialist to her current role as director, Mary has demonstrated unwavering dedication to the university’s technological advancement and student experience.
Throughout her tenure, Mary has played a pivotal role in shaping the university’s digital landscape. She was instrumental in launching InfoLabs across campus libraries in the early 2000s, and she led student engagement efforts during the DoIT Tech Store’s peak, creating events that made DoIT a visible, student-centered service provider.
As director of Communications, Mary has led a high-performing team of communications and design professionals, overseeing strategic messaging for major IT initiatives. She led the university-wide communications for the launch of multi-factor authentication and was instrumental in the development of DoIT’s vision, mission and guiding principles. Her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was especially impactful, as she served as the lead IT communications liaison for the university’s emergency response, ensuring timely and effective outreach during a critical period.
Mary’s influence extends beyond communications. She has served on more than 20 university and Big Ten committees, including co-chairing the Big Ten Academic Alliance IT Communications Group and serving on the EDUCAUSE IT Communications Cabinet.
Mary’s legacy is one of innovation, collaboration and deep care for the people and mission of UW–Madison. Her contributions have not only shaped the university’s IT communications strategy but have also inspired a culture of excellence and mentorship that will continue to benefit the UW community for years to come.
I know we’ll all miss Mary’s presence in the division, but her influence will continue long past July 1. For now, please join me in congratulating her on a well-earned retirement.
Best,
Lois Brooks