Stephens College to Inaugurate President Shannon B. Lundeen, Ph.D.
Stephens College will celebrate a defining moment in its nearly 200-year history with the inauguration of Shannon B. Lundeen, Ph.D., as the 25th President on Saturday, March 14, 2026, on the Stephens College campus in Columbia, Missouri. The inauguration theme,“Future Focused. Tradition Inspired.”, reflects the College’s bold vision for the future and its deep respect for the traditions that have shaped Stephens since 1833.
Dr. Lundeen’s presidency ushers in an ambitious era centered on advancing women’s education through innovation, leadership development, and forward-thinking partnerships while remaining deeply rooted in the College’s historic mission and the enduring values of the Ten Ideals. In addition to its undergraduate women’s college, Stephens is home to a nationally recognized Conservatory for the Performing Arts and three graduate programs, all of which are open to students of all genders.
“For nearly two centuries, Stephens College has empowered bold women to lead, create, and transform their world,” said Dr. Lundeen. “Together, we are accelerating into a future defined by innovation, inclusion, and impact, while drawing inspiration from the traditions that have made Stephens extraordinary.”
Leadership Endorsement from the Board of Trustees
Vice Admiral Nancy Brown, Chair of the Stephens College Board of Trustees, emphasized the national significance of Dr. Lundeen’s leadership:
“Dr. Shannon Lundeen is the right leader for this pivotal moment in Stephens’ history,” said Brown. “Her visionary leadership, strategic insight, and deep commitment to women’s education position Stephens College to thrive in a rapidly changing world — while honoring the values and legacy that make this institution extraordinary. The Board has full confidence in her ability to guide Stephens into its next era of excellence.”
One early example of President Lundeen’s future-focused, innovation-driven leadership is the College’s acquisition of Nourish Café + Market, a beloved downtown Columbia restaurant known for its commitment to wellness, sustainability, and community. Under Dr. Lundeen’s vision, Nourish will serve as a hands-on learning spacefor students in business, marketing, communication, design, and health-related fields — expanding experiential learning while strengthening community partnerships. The initiative reflects Stephens’ tradition of preparing women for meaningful, real-world leadership through bold, forward-thinking approaches.
National Voice in Women’s Leadership to Deliver Keynote
The inauguration will feature a keynote address by Dr. Mary Dana Hinton, President of Hollins University, a nationally respected leader in women’s education and higher education innovation.
A Legacy of Empowerment, A Vision for What’s Next
Stephens College continues to revolutionize women’s education through dynamic programs in the arts, sciences, business, health, and emerging fields—guided by the enduring values of integrity, courage, respect, independence, and leadership. Under Dr. Lundeen’s leadership, the College is building upon those ideals to drive bold progress.
“Today’s Stephens students are creating new traditions while honoring those that have shaped generations,” said Dr. Lundeen. “Our direction is progressive, but it is authentically Stephens.”
The inauguration will bring together students, alums, faculty, staff, trustees, community leaders, and national partners to celebrate both the College’s historic legacy and its future-forward momentum.
Additional details regarding the inauguration ceremony, public events, and announced initiatives will be shared in the coming months.
About Stephens College
Founded in 1833, Stephens College is a leader in undergraduate women’s education and an innovator in flexible, co-educational graduate and certificate programs. The College is home to the Conservatory for the Performing Arts, welcoming students of all genders into nationally recognized theatre and film programs. With a focus on experiential learning and career readiness, Stephens prepares graduates for high-demand jobs that strengthen and enrich communities. Learn more at stephens.edu.
