About Laura E. Evans, JD, MA

Laura E. Evans is the Program Director for the Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program at the Loma Linda University School of Public Health. In this role, she leads all aspects of program operations, including curriculum administration, faculty engagement, accreditation, student advising, external relations, and strategic quality-improvement initiatives. She played a key role in the program’s successful accreditation process with the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME), strengthening its academic rigor and national standing.

Professor Evans teaches graduate courses in healthcare law and capstone development, bringing a distinctive blend of legal expertise and practical administrative insight to her students. She also teaches undergraduate courses in the bachelor's of healthcare administration at the School of Allied Health Professions (SAHP).  In addition, Professor Evans contributes to doctoral education through service on DrPH Project Guidance Committees and as a member of the Health Policy Leadership DrPH Faculty Sub-Committee. Her academic leadership extends across the university, where she serves on SAHP’s Faculty Council Executive Committee and as a Faculty Marshal for LLU commencement ceremonies. 

Before transitioning into academia, Professor Evans built a successful career as an intellectual property litigation attorney in Southern California, serving as an associate at Irell & Manella LLP and then at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati.  During those years, she managed complex, high-stakes litigation involving medical devices, pharmaceuticals, software, and advanced technologies, working closely with engineers, scientists, and corporate leaders. Her legal practice included significant trial experience, contract drafting, case budgeting, and leadership of firm committees. She was twice named a “Rising Star” in Intellectual Property Litigation by Super Lawyers Magazine and received the Wiley W. Manuel Certificate for Pro Bono Legal Services from the State Bar of California.

Across her academic and legal careers, Professor Evans has demonstrated a sustained commitment to leadership, mission-focused education, and professional service. She is officer for the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) Southern California Chapter and an active member of national healthcare administration associations. She is a presenter on topics such as leadership, time management, mission-focused learning, and online pedagogy, and has authored publications in California Law Review, Ecology Law Quarterly, and Diversity Journal.

Professor Evans holds a J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law; an M.A. in International Development Studies from The George Washington University; and a B.A. in Chemistry from Walla Walla College. Her interdisciplinary background—spanning law, healthcare administration, policy, and organizational leadership—continues to shape her work preparing future healthcare leaders to navigate an increasingly complex and mission-driven industry.