Dr. D. Evelyn S. Kandakai was born on March 6, 1950 in Monrovia, Liberia. She holds a number of academic qualifications which include High School Diploma from the College of West Africa (1966), B.Sc. (Biology) from Cuttington College and Divinity School (1970), M.Sc. (Curriculum & Instruction and Tests & Measurement), University of Pennsylvania (1975), and Ed.D. (Curriculum & Teaching), Teachers College, Columbia University (1978).

Dr. Kandakai is a renowned educationist and researcher who has founded/authored/edited a number of publications, contributed several articles in reputable professional journals and delivered numerous papers at local and international conferences/seminars/workshops. She has made significant contributions to educational policy formulation and implementation in the West African Sub-region.