Stephens College Enters a Bold New Era
The new school year at Stephens College is starting with a spark. With new leadership, rising enrollment, and exciting academic investments, Stephens is entering a bold new era—one that celebrates nearly two centuries of history while building new opportunities for the students of today and tomorrow.
New President, Renewed Mission
This fall, Stephens proudly welcomes Dr. Shannon B. Lundeen as the College’s 25th president. A scholar of ethics and gender studies and an advocate for women’s leadership, Dr. Lundeen brings more than 20 years of higher education experience.
“For generations, Stephens has nurtured confident voices and creative minds,” said Dr. Lundeen. “Women’s leadership and representation remain unfinished business, and Stephens is uniquely positioned to prepare students to rise to the challenge. Our mission has never been more relevant, and the opportunities have never been more vital.”
Enrollment trends already show that momentum is building. Undergraduate enrollment is projected to grow by more than 8% this fall—the highest since 2021. Overall enrollment is expected to rise by more than 5% compared to last year.
Investing in Students’ Futures
Stephens is making major academic investments to ensure students are prepared for impact in the fields shaping the future:
Performing Arts Leadership – The Conservatory welcomes Broadway veteran and longtime faculty member Lisa Brescia as Interim Dean. She’s guiding the integration of Filmmaking and the MFA in TV + Screenwriting (Los Angeles), giving Stephens students unparalleled opportunities across stage and screen.
Nursing Expansion – With Dr. Karina Floyd as Director of Nursing, Stephens has launched more than $600,000 in upgrades to its Nursing Center. Students now learn in modernized simulation labs, high-tech classrooms, and expanded collaborative spaces.
Animal Behavior Program – One of the few undergraduate programs of its kind in the nation now welcomes Dr. Jill Villarreal as Chair, opening new possibilities in animal cognition, welfare, and research.
Stars Athletics on the Rise
On the field and the court, the Stephens Stars are gaining momentum. Under the leadership of Betty Villalobos, Associate Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics, Stars Athletics is building a stronger, more competitive presence while keeping student-athlete success at the center. Expanded coaching staff in soccer, volleyball, softball, and basketball are fueling energy and growth across the board.
A Campus Alive with Tradition and Talent
President Lundeen also highlights the many ways the community can experience Stephens’ talent and traditions:
“We invite our neighbors to campus to experience the extraordinary talent of our students—our Conservatory performing artists, our Stars athletes, our equestrians carrying forward the 100-year-old Prince of Wales Society, our visionary fashion students in the annual spring fashion show, and our emerging health care leaders at the annual Health Science Symposium. This year, we also celebrate the centennial of the Stephens College Children’s School, a proud tradition of excellence in early childhood and elementary education.”
Looking Ahead
Since its founding in 1833, Stephens College has been a home for changemakers, creatives, and leaders. Nearly 200 years later, that legacy is stronger than ever. With bold leadership, rising enrollment, and new opportunities across academics and athletics, Stephens is charting an exciting path forward.
