Finding Her Voice, Changing Her City
How Stephens College Grad Student Shana Nunn is Leading with Purpose—on Campus and Beyond
When Shana Nunn talks about leadership, it doesn’t sound aspirational—it sounds inevitable.
“I feel like this is something I’ve been wanting to do for a very long time,” Nunn said, reflecting on her recent appointment as Vice Chair of the City of Columbia’s Collegiate Advisory Council. “I have always wanted to create change on this level.”
A graduate student in Stephens College’s Stephens College’s Master of Education in Counseling, Nunn is balancing dual tracks in school counseling and clinical mental health counseling while also serving as a graduate assistant. This spring, she took on another responsibility—advising the Columbia City Council on issues directly affecting college students across the city.
A Hands-On Role at Stephens College
At Stephens, Nunn wears many hats. As a graduate assistant in the counseling program, she supports faculty, assists with admissions outreach, manages the program’s social media, and contributes to accreditation efforts.
She is currently helping the program pursue accreditation through the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)—a process that allows graduates to transfer licensure more easily across states.
“I really wanted to be able to ground myself in this work and give it my full attention,” Nunn said. “I’ve been able to do that here by being an assistant and not having that financial barrier.”
That support has been transformative. “I wish that everyone could have this opportunity,” she said. “And I can’t wait to pass the torch down to someone else so they can be blessed like I’ve been.”
Learning by Doing
Stephens’ emphasis on experiential learning has been central to Nunn’s growth as a counselor-in-training. Through shadowing, group work, and practicum placements, she has moved quickly from theory to practice.
“I’m actually doing the real hands-on work—being under another clinician,” Nunn said. “I’m able to use the skills that I’ve learned and put them into real-world applications.”
That transition requires patience and intention.
“These are skills you’re going to use,” she said. “You want them to really sit and stay with you.”
She credits Stephens’ small class sizes and close faculty relationships for helping her thrive. “My program director is literally an email or phone call away,” Nunn said. “I’ve never stopped feeling like they want me here.”
Stepping Into Civic Leadership
Nunn’s appointment to the Collegiate Advisory Council came at a pivotal moment for Columbia. The council was formed by Columbia’s mayor in response to concerns raised about safety in Downtown Columbia following the tragic shooting death of a Stephens College student in late September 2025. The council brings together representatives from Mizzou, Columbia College, Moberly Area Community College and Stephens and focuses on safety, housing, accessibility and public and mental health.
“For me, I’ve been advocating for mental health,” Nunn said. “But safety has been our number one priority. Learning is a very vulnerable experience, and you need somewhere you feel safe.”
As Vice Chair, Nunn oversees subcommittees and council communications.
“I’ve been leading since I was pretty young,” she said. “Leadership has always been on my radar.”
Representation That Matters
For Nunn, serving on the council is about more than policy—it’s about visibility.
“It feels like a privilege, which is ironic to say as a Black woman,” she said. “For once, I have the privilege, and I’m going to use it to help others.”
“It’s important for others to see me in this role,” Nunn said. “For students to know their counselor is advocating for them on a systemic level—that’s part of our training.”
Looking Ahead
Nunn hopes her work on the council will carry into her future career as a counselor rooted in authenticity and advocacy.
“I hope my future clients see that their counselor is genuine and really wants to ensure they have a good quality of life,” Nunn said.
As she prepares to graduate in spring 2028, Nunn remains focused on the impact she can make.
“If I can use my voice and have these tough conversations,” Nunn said, “then I’m going to do it.”
At Stephens College, her voice is being heard—on campus and beyond—and it’s helping to shape the future of the City of Columbia.
