After nearly two decades of dedicated service, Debora Evans is retiring from the University of Houston-Downtown—closing a chapter marked by leadership, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the people who make up the campus community. During her tenure, Evans transformed Mail Services, helped rebuild Staff Council, and supported generations of students, faculty, and staff.
Evans’ journey at UHD began after a long and successful career in banking. When her company was sold, she chose to be laid off and soon afterward enrolled at the University, earning her Interdisciplinary Studies/Sociology degree in 2006—all while raising four sons and caring for her in-laws.
Her experience managing large-scale mail operations made her a natural fit when a position opened in UHD’s mailroom. Once on staff, she elevated and redefined the department. “I renamed my department Mail Services because we not only do mail,” she explained. “We do all packages, deliveries, the logistics of shipping and receiving.” Under her leadership, she coordinated Mail Services Recycling, a significant logistical operation, in support of Dr. Lisa Morano’s campus-wide sustainability efforts.
Determined to strengthen and modernize the University’s mail operations, Evans joined the National Association of College and University Mail Services (NACUMS) in 2007. Through committee involvement, professional development, and national conferences, she built invaluable relationships and brought industry-leading practices back to UHD.
Her dedication to the broader campus community has been just as impactful. In 2014, after a period with no active Staff Council, Evans and colleague Debra Shouldice revived the organization, serving as its first two presidents in restarting the organization. “We were blinder than a bat,” she said with a laugh. “We were learning and making mistakes through trial and error.” Each Staff Council board after their term to current all played a part in a now a thriving Staff Council, campus-wide force for employee engagement—a success that fills Evans with pride. “The people who participate are in it 100%, and that’s what makes a successful Staff Council.”
Evans has also been a steady source of support during some of UHD’s most difficult moments. She and her team continued working on campus throughout the COVID-19 shutdown, reaching out to departments simply to check on their well-being. “When people came back, several told me those messages really touched them,” she recalled. After Hurricane Harvey, she was among the first employees back on campus, helping with flood cleanup and recovery.
But perhaps her greatest impact has come through the everyday kindness she has shown to others. Known for pulling aside students or employees who seemed to be having a tough day, she has long kept an open-door policy. “I try to give good advice. I come to work with a good attitude. I give people space to talk. Sometimes they’re having problems with their children, or something else. I’m okay with that. People know they can come to me with anything.” And just for fun she taught the line dancing class on campus. “We all got together and just had fun.” For those who are not aware there are two gardens on campus. In her spare time this is where you will find Debora helping students/planting/harvesting/sharing crops.
As she steps into retirement, Evans plans to dedicate more time to her family, including nine grandchildren—and explore creative pursuits. One current idea: launching a DIY-focused YouTube channel with a close friend.
When asked what legacy she hopes to leave behind, Evans doesn’t hesitate: “Make everybody feel important. You don’t want people to feel like they don’t matter.”
Looking back at nearly 20 years at UHD—punctuated by accomplishments such as the USPS Houston Postal Council Excellence Award 2012, the 2013 Staff Merit Award, the NACUMS Excellence in Management, and the UHD Staff Awards Best Boss in 2023—Evans’ career makes one thing clear: she lived that message every day.