Stephens College Welcomes Dr. Trish Parsons as Senior Director of Institutional Research
Stephens College is pleased to welcome Dr. Trish Parsons, as our new Senior Director of Institutional Research, effective June 1, 2026.
In this role, Parsons will serve as the College’s chief steward of data, analytics, and evidence-based decision-making, and as the institution’s primary campus coordinator for Higher Learning Commission (HLC) accreditation. Reporting to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, she will lead institutional research, accreditation coordination, and data-informed strategic planning efforts across the College, while also serving as the academic liaison for Stephens’ online course offerings and providing coordination and oversight for study away programs.
Parsons brings extensive experience in higher education assessment, student success initiatives, academic support, and cross-functional collaboration. Most recently, she served at the University of Missouri School of Medicine, where she supported medical student success, remediation, assessment, and institutional initiatives related to academic outcomes and student support systems. Throughout her career, her work has focused on using data thoughtfully to strengthen institutional effectiveness while supporting students, faculty, and staff.
Parsons earned her PhD in Medical Science from the University of Calgary and her Bachelor of Science from Pennsylvania State University. Having previously served at Stephens earlier in her career, she returns with deep affection for the College’s mission and a renewed commitment to collaborative, student-centered leadership.
“Coming back to Stephens feels both exciting and really meaningful to me,” Parsons said. “It played such an important role in my professional growth, so I’m grateful for the chance to return in a role where I can support students, faculty, and staff in a broader way. I’m especially looking forward to reconnecting with colleagues, building new partnerships, and finding ways to strengthen the systems that help our students succeed.”
Stephens College President Shannon B. Lundeen, PhD, shared her enthusiasm for Parsons’ return:
“Sound institutional decisions begin with accurate, trustworthy data, and Trish brings exactly the kind of expertise, curiosity, and integrity we need to strengthen that foundation at Stephens. Having previously served here, she already understands our culture, our mission, and what makes this community special. Her data-oriented mindset, paired with a rare ability to see the big picture while never losing sight of the individual student, faculty member, or staff colleague behind the numbers, will be incredibly valued at Stephens. We are fortunate to welcome her back.”
Outside of work, Parsons enjoys spending time with her husband and son, cheering him on at baseball, soccer, and basketball games, golfing with her family, and running the trails around Columbia.
We look forward to the ways Parsons’ leadership will strengthen Stephens’ culture of evidence-based decision-making and support student success across the College.
