Board of Trustees appoints Dr. Shannon B. Lundeen as 25th president
Dr. Shannon B. Lundeen has been named the 25th president of Stephens College, effective June 1, following an extensive nationwide search and approval by the Board of Trustees.
With nearly 20 years of experience in academic and administrative leadership, Lundeen is dedicated to enhancing access and opportunity in higher education.
“On behalf of the board, I am honored to welcome Dr. Shannon Lundeen as the next president of Stephens College,” said M. Anne Murphy, chair of the Board of Trustees. “Her visionary leadership, deep commitment to our values, and extensive experience in advancing inclusive educational programs align perfectly with the mission of Stephens College. We are confident that under her leadership, Stephens College will continue to thrive and empower students for generations to come.”
With nearly 20 years of experience in academic and administrative leadership, Lundeen is dedicated to enhancing access and opportunity in higher education.
“On behalf of the board, I am honored to welcome Dr. Shannon Lundeen as the next president of Stephens College,” said M. Anne Murphy, chair of the Board of Trustees. “Her visionary leadership, deep commitment to our values, and extensive experience in advancing inclusive educational programs align perfectly with the mission of Stephens College. We are confident that under her leadership, Stephens College will continue to thrive and empower students for generations to come.”
Lundeen currently serves as the Vice President of Programs and Operations at HERS (Higher Education Resource Services), where she oversees program development, delivery, admissions and assessment, as well as organizational operations, including human resources, marketing, recruitment, and alumni engagement. Since joining HERS in May 2022, she has been instrumental in advancing initiatives that promote inclusive excellence and bold leadership in higher education.
Lundeen has held several key positions at renowned institutions, including Associate Director of the Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies Program and the Alice Paul Center at the University of Pennsylvania, where she developed curricula, organized events, and fostered interdisciplinary partnerships. She later became Director of the Flora Stone Mather Center for Women at Case Western Reserve University, where she led the center’s growth, fundraising, and gender equity initiatives. In 2015, Lundeen joined Elon University as the inaugural Director of Academic-Residential Partnerships, where she executed a vision for integrative learning that contributed to the university’s national recognition. She holds a PhD and MA in Philosophy from Stony Brook University and has made significant scholarly contributions ranging from feminist bioethics to inclusive education.
When asked what excites her about Stephens, Lundeen replied, “Stephens’ rich history of expanding access to education for diverse and historically underserved populations is deeply aligned with my passion for advancing equity in and through higher education. The opportunity to lead an innovative and values-driven community that champions women and provides all students with an inclusive, transformational education is an incredible honor. I am eager to join this dynamic, dedicated community and work alongside faculty, staff, students, alumni, community partners, and trustees to shape a bold and thriving future for Stephens College.”
Lundeen will succeed Dr. Dianne M. Lynch, who has served as president since 2009 and will retire at the end of the academic year. Lynch’s tenure includes securing a historic $2.5 million annual donation in perpetuity, doubling the college’s endowment. Under her guidance, the college also launched the School for Health Sciences, including a Master of Physician Assistant program, a Master in Fine Arts in TV + Screenwriting, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in partnership with Boone Hospital and a Bachelor of Science in Animal Behavior. Lynch also helped introduce a co-educational a Conservatory for the Performing Arts, launch an Animal Behavior program on the pet-friendliest campus in the country, and launch a new Workforce Development program offering training in high-demand fields with guaranteed apprenticeships.
“Stephens College has truly been my life’s work,” Lynch said. “It has been a privilege beyond measure to be a member of this extraordinary, mission-driven community for the last 16 years. I look forward to supporting Dr. Lundeen as she transitions into this role. I am excited for everyone who holds Stephens College dear, knowing they have a leader with her expertise and passion that will successfully guide the college into its next chapter.”
Stephens College will host a campus event in early March to welcome Lundeen with faculty, staff and students.
About Stephens College: Founded in 1833, Stephens College is the second-oldest women’s college in the United States, dedicated to providing innovative, experiential, and career-focused education across various disciplines. Located in Columbia, Missouri, Stephens College continues to be a leader in women’s education with some co-educational programs, including the Conservatory of Performing Arts and graduate programs, where students are empowered to learn, grow, and lead.
