Birth date: Jul 2, 1950 Death date: May 6, 2026
Dr. Mary Evans Sias, 75, of Dallas, Texas passed away peacefully at home on May 6th, 2026. Mary was the first of three siblings born to her parents Augusta and Ada Lee Hill Evans in Jackson, Mississippi on July 2, 1950. She is pr Read Obituary
It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Mary Evans Sias, an esteemed higher education leader, treasured colleague, and dear friend. Mary devoted her life to advancing educational excellence, empowering students, and strengthening institutions through visionary leadership and unwavering service.
Her partnership with Jarvis Christian University, during my tenure as President, reflected her deep commitment to developing people and institutions alike. She worked closely with our faculty and staff to provide meaningful professional development support, and she generously shared her expertise with our Board of Trustees, helping to strengthen leadership and governance across the university community.
She leaves behind a lasting legacy of wisdom, grace, mentorship, and service. Her impact on higher education and on all who had the privilege of working alongside her will not be forgotten. Beyond the professional relationship, Mary was a dear friend to my wife, Gloria, and me. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her husband, Shad, family, friends, colleagues, and all those whose lives she touched.
Lester & Gloria Newman
Mary was a dear friend and colleague who had a great sense of humor. She was a great story teller and a genuine soul who shared her many lessons of leadership with others. Mary and I would laugh and laugh about how we were both steered by our grandmothers “to assign ourselves” and not wait for a directive. She will be sorely missed.
My deepest condolences to the Sias family. I was deeply saddened to hear of the loss of a dear friend and mentor. One of Dr. Sias’ trademarks was her love for St. John suits. She had impeccable taste in clothing and accessories. I would often say to myself, “Let me go by her office and see what beautiful outfit she has on today.” Whether it was a scarf, a handbag, or a pair of gloves, she always carried herself with elegance and grace.
The AASCU family will truly miss her presence, warmth, and spirit. May she rest peacefully.
Felicia Durham
AASCU
I honor the life of Dr. Mary K. Sias, a trailblazing leader, a fierce advocate for public higher education, and, most importantly, a mentor to aspiring minority leaders, especially women of color.
I first met Dr. Sias in 2019 when I was selected to participate in the AASCU Millennium Leadership Institute. I quickly learned that she was no-nonsense, she said what she meant and meant what she said. She was exceptionally skilled at preparing leaders to ascend to the college presidency.
At the conclusion of the program, she encouraged me to stay in contact, and I did. Through countless phone calls, conversations with her and her husband alongside mine, and meetings at conferences over the years, I became a college president. And Dr. Mary K. Sias was right there, just as she promised, cheering me on and providing wisdom along the way.
She intentionally and skillfully created pathways for minority presidents to become and she made sure we were prepared when the opportunity arrived.
I am because Dr. Mary K. Sias was. WE ARE because of Dr. Mary K. Sias.
I am deeply grateful to have known her and thankful to God for her contributions to my journey.
Rest well from labor to reward, Dr. Mary K. Sias. Job well done.💕💚
My favorite memory of her was when she invited my sons and I to her house when she was president at Kentucky State. We were so excited to be at the president’s house. She treated us like royalty and we felt like royalty. She had the house filled with food and snacks for my sons. She really enjoyed them. She was so down to earth. I used to work at UTD when she was there. Then I found out she was good friends with my uncle(Bobby Davis). I remember when she and her husband Shad came to visit when I had my youngest son. They were just ordinary people. They didn’t think they were better than anyone or look down on anyone. Wow! God bless! Deidre Robb, Charles Robb, Chris Robb, and Deandre Robb
