Dr. Rabekah D. Stewart
Vice President for Student Success & Engagement
Education
Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership, Walden University; M.S. in Higher Education Administration and Urban Leadership, University of Missouri–Kansas City; B.S. in English & Secondary Education, Lincoln University of Missouri.
About Dr. Rabekah D. Stewart
Dr. Rabekah D. Stewart is a dynamic higher education leader with more than 25 years of experience advancing student access, success and retention. She has been appointed Vice President for Student Success & Engagement at Stephens College, where she will lead institutional efforts to enhance student achievement, belonging, and holistic development.
A native of Jefferson City, Dr. Stewart most recently served as Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs at Missouri State University. In this role, she provided strategic leadership for a comprehensive portfolio of student success initiatives, including TRIO programs, access and retention efforts, and student engagement programs serving thousands of students. She also played a key role in institutional planning and cross-campus collaboration, contributing to university-wide strategic initiatives focused on student success, equity, and organizational effectiveness.
Dr. Stewart’s career spans both K–12 and higher education, including leadership roles in college access programs and extensive experience supporting first-generation students and students from historically underrepresented backgrounds. Her scholarship and professional work center on high-impact practices, student engagement, and fostering inclusive campus environments that promote persistence, resilience, and a strong sense of belonging.
She holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership from Walden University, a master’s degree in higher education administration and urban leadership from the University of Missouri–Kansas City, and a bachelor’s degree in English and secondary education from Lincoln University of Missouri.
An engaged community leader, Dr. Stewart has served in leadership on regional and national boards and collaborates with organizations dedicated to educational attainment and community development. She is a fitness-enthusiast, loves backyard cookouts, wine nights with friends, traveling and audiobooks. Dr. Stewart is a proud Diamond Life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and remains committed to mentorship, leadership development, and service.