Deal appoints leader for prison system’s education initiatives

Push to increase number of inmates with high school diplomas is part of governor’s plan to reduce recidivism

Gov. Nathan Deal announced today that Forsyth County School Superintendent Dr. L.C. “Buster” Evans will join the Department of Corrections as the assistant commissioner of Education effective July 1. In his capacity as assistant commissioner, Evans will lead education initiatives within the department and assist in the implementation of the governor’s criminal justice reforms.  

“With 7 out of every 10 Department of Corrections inmates lacking a high school diploma or GED, it is of the utmost importance that while individuals are in our criminal justice system, we do a better job of raising their education and skills to an adequate level,” Deal said. “If an offender has been equipped to enter the workforce upon release, that person will stand a greater chance of avoiding relapse. Buster has been a leader in our state’s education system for more than a decade, and I applaud his continued service to Georgia. His years of experience and commitment to education will serve Georgians well in his new role at the Department of Corrections.”

“I am grateful to Governor Deal for his confidence in me and for the opportunity to serve my state at the Department of Corrections,” Evans said. “While the decision to retire as Forsyth County school superintendent was not an easy one, I look forward to helping nonviolent offenders achieve the kind of quality education that will allow for new growth and prosperity in Georgia’s workforce.”

L.C. “Buster” Evans

Evans has served as superintendent of Forsyth County Schools since 2008. Previously, he was assistant superintendent of schools in Bleckley County and became the first board appointed superintendent for the Bleckley County School System. He is a trustee and chairman of the Teacher’s Retirement Service of Georgia, and sits on the Governor’s Education Advisory Board, Digital Learning Task Force, Superintendents Education Policy Advisory Group at the University of Georgia and the Georgia Education Solutions Group. He has served as president of the Georgia Association of Educational Leaders and president of the Georgia School Superintendents Association. Evans is a graduate of Leadership Georgia and a three-time finalist for the Georgia Superintendent of the Year honor. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degree from Valdosta State College, and his doctorate from the University of Georgia. Buster is a member of First Baptist Church of Cumming and an active Rotarian. He and his wife, Debbie, have two grown children and reside in Cumming.