Dr. R. Scott Taylor to Lead New Experiential Learning and Industry Partnerships Initiative
Stephens College is doubling down on its commitment to career readiness by appointing Dr. R. Scott Taylor as the new Associate Vice President of Experiential Innovations and Industry Partnerships. The role, designed to bridge academic theory and professional practice, signals a strategic shift in how the college prepares students for a rapidly evolving workforce.
Dr. Taylor, who previously served as the Founding Dean of Workforce Development and Continuing Studies, will now lead institution-wide efforts to integrate hands-on learning into the core Stephens experience. From internships and apprenticeships to the management of campus enterprises, Taylor’s mandate is to ensure that every student graduates with a resume as impressive as their transcript.
A Strategy by Design
The creation of this role comes at a pivotal moment for Stephens. According to President Shannon Lundeen, the college is moving away from the idea that career preparation is a secondary benefit of education.
“We want every Stephens student to be able to connect what they are learning in the classroom with opportunities to apply that knowledge in professional settings,” Lundeen said. “Scott’s role gives us dedicated leadership for building those connections and ensuring that experiential learning is not something that happens by chance but is embedded in every Stephens student’s education by design.”
For Taylor, the mission is clear: experiential learning is about more than just “doing.” It is about meaningful action followed by reflection.
“The strongest experiential learning asks students to apply their knowledge, navigate real challenges, receive feedback, and understand how the experience has shaped their skills and goals,” Taylor said. “Workforce development and a Stephens education are complementary, not competing ideas. We aren’t just training students for one job; we are preparing them to shape the workforce of the future.”
A Proven Track Record of Innovation
Dr. Taylor brings a wealth of experience in workforce education and community engagement to this new position. Since joining Stephens in January 2024, he has been instrumental in expanding the college’s reach through the Workforce Development and Continuing Studies division.
One of his most notable achievements is the establishment of the “Women in Trades” program. This tuition-free construction pre-apprenticeship program has become a model for collaborative success, bringing together government agencies, unions, and industry partners to create high-demand career pathways for women.
Before joining Stephens full-time, Taylor spent more than14 years at Moberly Area Community College, where he served as lead business faculty and advised an award-winning Collegiate DECA chapter—an initiative he brought to Stephens with instant success on state, national and international levels. His academic credentials include a Doctor of Business Administration from California Southern University, where he researched the economic impact of entrepreneurial policy, a Master of Public Administration from the University of Missouri, and a Bachelor of Science from Missouri State University.
Living Laboratories for Success
A unique component of Taylor’s new role is the oversight of Stephens’ campus enterprises. These businesses, including Nourish Café & Market, Susie’s Campus Store, Screen Queens, SC Events, and the college’s Okoboji business operations – are being reimagined as “living laboratories.”
Under Taylor’s leadership, these enterprises will serve as sustainable business ventures where students gain authentic experience in management, marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship. By integrating academic programs directly into these operations, Stephens provides a safe yet rigorous environment for students to test their talents before entering the global market.
A Network of Opportunity
President Lundeen noted that Taylor’s established credibility allows the college to move quickly from high-level conversations to meaningful partnerships that directly benefit students in both the Women’s College and the Conservatory. Taylor is a fixture in the Missouri business community, serving on the boards of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce and Columbia Regional Economic Development Inc. (REDI).
“Those relationships provide Stephens with a direct connection to employers, policymakers, and emerging industry needs,” Taylor said. “The next step is to translate those connections into tangible opportunities—internships, guest speakers, grant partnerships, and customized training.”
A Vision for the Future
As he steps into the role, Taylor has set ambitious goals for his first year. His priorities include expanding the variety of internship and mentorship opportunities, establishing clear measures for tracking student outcomes, and increasing Stephens’ visibility among regional and national employers.
Taylor’s connection to Stephens is both professional and personal. He and his wife, Kendra, are supporters of the Stephens College Equestrian Program, having donated several horses from their ranch near Moberly. With his deep roots in the community and a clear vision for the future, Taylor is poised to lead Stephens into a new era of experiential excellence.
