Putnam-Evans Retires After 30 Years at ECU, Harriot College
Dr. Cindy Putnam-Evans
After 30 years of service, Dr. Cindy Putnam-Evans, professor of biology and associate dean for research in the Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Office, is retiring from East Carolina University on Dec. 31.
Putnam-Evans earned her doctoral degree in biochemistry from the University of Georgia in 1988 and began working at ECU as an assistant professor of biology in August 1993. She advanced to full professor in August 2007 and joined the staff of the Harriot College Dean’s Office as an associate dean in January 2008.
“Without a doubt, what I have enjoyed most about ECU is the people I have worked with. I have worked with the best faculty and staff colleagues I could have imagined, and I am thankful for their collegiality and friendship,” Putnam-Evans said. “My former students, both undergraduate and graduate, were exceptional as well, and I am proud of their successes.”
Throughout her career, Putnam-Evans dedicated her time beyond the classroom. She performed research and provided many years of service to professional and community organizations, influencing both current and future biologists. Early on, she was heavily involved with the southern section of the American Society of Plant Biologists, where she served as secretary-treasurer, vice-chair and chair, and was the organizer for several of the annual meetings. In addition, Putnam-Evans was a member of the Midwest-Southeast Photosynthesis group.
“My affiliation with these professional societies was important because it brought opportunities to network, form collaborations and expose my students to opportunities for their professional development,” Putnam-Evans said.
Two internal projects have meant a lot to her over the years, including the STEM Girls program, which ran for several years and provided opportunities for local middle-school girls to learn about and be encouraged to pursue careers in STEM. The second program she is proud to be involved in is the work of the current THRIVE team, funded by a $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation ADVANCE program. The goal of THRIVE is to advance the careers of women faculty, particularly those in STEM.
“The efforts of both groups have been impactful, and it’s been a joy to work with and learn from the talented and dedicated group of faculty and staff involved in both initiatives,” she said.
In addition, Putnam-Evans said she is honored to have been a member of the 2013 cohort of ECU Women of Distinction and as a long-serving member of the University Research and Engagement Council, where she said she “has found the work of the group to be particularly rewarding as they strive to make improvements to, provide support for and grow the research enterprise at ECU.”
When sharing words of wisdom on how others can succeed in their careers, Putnam-Evans said, “You need good mentors and colleagues who will support and advocate for you throughout your career. I have been very lucky in that regard. I have had strong support from many leaders, in particular two department chairs and a faculty mentor who gave great advice and support as I worked through the ranks, as well as the four Harriot College deans I have worked with.
“Networking is also very important,” she said. “You need to present your work at national or international conferences, get involved in your professional societies, serve on grant panels or be a reviewer for journals in your area, and more. These activities are so important in establishing visibility and your reputation as a scholar in the field.”
As Putnam-Evans looks forward to retirement, she said she will enjoy traveling, spending time with family and friends, and getting back to some “long-neglected” hobbies.