Stephens College Names Dr. Rabekah D. Stewart Vice President for Student Success & Engagement
Stephens College has appointed Dr. Rabekah D. Stewart as Vice President for Student Success & Engagement, a key leadership role charged with advancing a bold, student-centered vision for achievement, belonging and lifelong success.
Dr. Stewart brings more than 25 years of experience in education, with a distinguished career dedicated to expanding student access, strengthening retention and fostering inclusive, student-centered environments. At Stephens, she will lead college-wide strategies to strengthen retention, deepen engagement, and ensure every student is supported to thrive academically, personally and professionally.
“Stephens College is building the future of student success, one that is personalized and rooted in belonging and well-being,” said President Shannon B. Lundeen. “Dr. Stewart is exactly the leader to help us accelerate that work. She brings the strategic vision, the operational excellence, and the unwavering commitment to students that this moment demands.”
A native of Jefferson City, Missouri, Dr. Stewart currently serves as Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs at Missouri State University, where she leads a comprehensive portfolio impacting thousands of students. Her leadership spans TRIO programs, access and retention initiatives, and high-impact engagement strategies designed to improve persistence and close achievement gaps. She is also a key contributor to institutional strategic planning and cross-campus alignment around student success and organizational effectiveness.
“As someone who calls this region home, it is especially meaningful to join Stephens College at such an exciting time,” Dr. Stewart said. “I believe deeply in the transformative power of education, and I look forward to working alongside this community to create pathways for every student to succeed, belong, and lead.”
Dr. Stewart’s career bridges K–12 and higher education, with a sustained focus on expanding opportunity for first-generation students and those from historically underrepresented backgrounds. Her work centers on scaling high-impact practices, fostering inclusive campus climates, and designing systems that empower students to persist, lead, and succeed.
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 and values-driven leader, Dr. Stewart serves on regional and national boards and partners with organizations advancing educational attainment and community impact. She is a proud Diamond Life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and is deeply committed to mentorship, leadership development, and service.
Dr. Stewart will begin her role at Stephens College on May 4.
