Interdisciplinary Scholar, Educator, Author

Credentials and Awards

  • R

    Ph.D. Developmental Psychology & Sexuality Education

  • R

    M.Ed. Educational Administration & Supervision

  • R

    B.S. Psychology & History (with High Honors)

  • R

    Certifications as Principal and Social Studies Teacher

  • R

    Rachel Royston Scholarship for Women Educators

  • R

    Nominee, Danforth Fellowship for VCU

  • R

    Inductee, Phi Delta Kappa and Eta Sigma Phi Fraternities

  • R

    ASSET Award for Outstanding Contributions to Fields of
    Sexual Health and Sexuality Education

Color Casual Shot 1

Overview of Professional Work

South Beach sunset and reflection

Photo: Evonne Hedgepeth

         Dr. Hedgepeth’s work as an educator began in the 1970s when she coordinated and taught social studies and health/PE for an alternative public high school in Richmond, Virginia. She designed and taught a sexuality education class highlighted in a study by Mathtech as one of the “excellent” programs in the U.S.
 
         Later, she taught college and university courses and programs on many topics (see below). She trained and supervised student teachers; did consulting and training for government agencies, health care facilities schools, community organizations, etc. All her trainings were tailored for specific audiences: teachers, trainers, staff, managers, social workers, parents, health educators, medical staff, etc.

     Other major career accomplishments include co-authoring a book still considered to be influential in her field, Teaching about Sexuality and HIV. She also led a team of health educators in creating a comprehensive sexuality/health curriculum for incarcerated youth, and produced and was featured in an award-winning video about LGBTQ youth in foster care

                                                                                                                                (See Writings/Books and Resources for more information) 

Examples of Hedgepeth’s Teaching and Trainings

Clouds over Hood River

College Programs & Classes

  • R

    Masters in Teaching Program

  • R

    American Family Values

  • R

    The Paradox of AIDS

  • R

    From Adam & Eve to Thelma & Louise

  • R

    Social Studies Methods

  • R

    Sexuality and Self

  • R

    Research Methods and Statistics

Photo: Evonne Hedgepeth

Trainings for Educators

  • R

    Teaching about Sexuality and HIV
    (TASH)

  • R

    The Magic of Effective Training

  • R

    Finding Common Ground in Abstinence
    Education

  • R

    Less is More: Teaching Concepts and
    Skills

  • R

    No Fear: Preventing & Stopping School
    & Workplace Harassment and Violence

  • R

    Different Lenses, Different Visions
    Understanding Opposing Moral
    Perspectives

  • R

    Know HIV/AIDS and STDs/STIs

Trainings for Other Professionals

  • R

    A Matter of Respect: Diversity in the
    Workplace

  • R

    Beyond the Barriers: Working with
    Culturally Diverse Patients and
    Clients

  • R

    Working with LGBTQ Youth and
    Adults

  • R

    Leading More Effective Staff Meetings

Open High School Classes

  • R

    1984—Today?

  • R

    Where Historians Disagree

  • R

    Appalachia

  • R

    Oral Histories of JacksonWard (Richmond, Virginia)

  • R

    Corolla. North Carolina, Community Action Project

  • R

    Introduction to Psychology

  • R

    Sexuality and Self

Unexpected Personal Journeys

"We've been given a terrible teacher." - Andy McMillan

     In 2005, the work of Lifespan Education that had been drawing learners and clients from around and outside the U.S. was derailed after Dr. Hedgepeth’s beloved partner of 28 years was diagnosed with advanced bone marrow cancer caused by a chemical exposure.

     She shifted her full-time focus to helping Andy survive and thrive with cancer, using an “integrative” treatment plan (combined conventional and natural treatments) they created and co-managed.

     Evonne served as Andy’s medical social worker, secretary, legal advocate, disability access specialist and coordinator of their large support team of helpers. Knowledge she gained during her several years of experience as a radiological and oncological transcriptionist in clinic and hospital settings proved to be essential to Andy’s long-term survival and the extraordinarily high quality of life he enjoyed for over 9 years.

     See Writing/Books for more about the memoir they co-authored:
     Bold and Relentless: A Memoir about a Great Love, Tragic Loss and Medical Madness 

In 2014 Andy succumbed to medical abandonment and a staff medication error. He was 55.
In 2014 Andy succumbed to medical abandonment and a staff medication error. He was 55.

A Grief Healing Odyssey

Mt Hood with fence and flowers 2016

Photo: Evonne Hedgepeth

     In 2015-16 Dr. Hedgepeth completed a solo, cross-country 8,000 mile journey in her 26 foot Winnebago bus pulling her SUV, camping “off the grid” (not in conventional campgrounds) at various places. Along the way, she scattered packets of Andy' s ashes in places special to them in Washington State, Oregon, Utah, Virginia, Alabama, Florida, North Carolina and the Gulf of Mexico.
     During the trip, Evonne encountered extreme weather and other major obstacles that significantly delayed her return.
     She recounts the amazing, inspiring story in her second memoir: The Constant Moon: Taking the Long Way Back. (in progress.)
                                                   See Writing/Books
Evonne at Island in the Sky, Canyonlands, Utah
Evonne at Island in the Sky, Canyonlands, Utah