SPPGA bids farewell to Paul Evans after an illustrious and impactful time as a researcher, teacher and mentor.
Dr. Paul Evans joined UBC in 1999 as a professor in Asian and trans-Pacific international relations. Going on to serve terms as the director of both the Liu Institute for Global Issues and the Institute of Asian Research, Professor Evans was instrumental in the creation and launch of the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs in 2017. As one of the founding professors of the Master’s in Public Policy and Global Affairs program, he was a leading figure in guiding its vision and direction—contributing to innovative curriculum in public policy and global affairs, with a strong focus on Asia. He was appointed HSBC Chair of Asian Research at SPPGA’s Institute of Asian Research in 2021.
“Professor Paul Evans has been foundational to UBC’s School of Public Policy and Global Affairs. He is extremely influential in Canada-China relations and is often sought after by government officials for his deep knowledge of security in the Asia-Pacific.Paul leaves an enduring legacy that will continue to be built upon. We will very much miss his camaraderie and good humour, and we thank Paul for his commitment and dedication to UBC over the past 24 years.”
During his career Professor Evans served as the Co-CEO and Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada and was a co-founder of the Council for Security Cooperation in Asia Pacific (CSCAP), the Canadian Consortium on Human Security, and the Canada-Korea Forum. He is the author or editor of seven books and has held visiting fellowships at prestigious institutions internationally.
Beyond research and academia, Professor Evans also served as a mentor for many students and future policy leaders. The guidance and expertise he provided students was a hallmark of his desire to see students succeed, and his belief that investing in students’ university experiences equips them to become the world’s best innovative leaders.
“Professor Evans’s gift is his genuine interest in guiding his students. His willingness to bring students along reflects a fundamental decency that is cherished by those lucky to enough to have him as a teacher. I am grateful for the direction he’s provided inside and outside the classroom - always illuminating, never dictating and often done while sharing a laugh.”
Professor Evans’s influence on SPPGA and its faculty, staff and students will continue to live vibrantly through his contributions to the school’s programs themselves, as well as the way he has touched many individuals’ lives through personal connection and guidance. SPPGA would like to extend our greatest thanks to Professor Evans for his time at UBC.
