吃瓜网 to Inaugurate President Shannon B. Lundeen, Ph.D.聽
吃瓜网 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 吃瓜网 campus in Columbia, Missouri. The inauguration theme,鈥淔uture Focused. Tradition Inspired.鈥�, reflects the College鈥檚 bold vision for the future and its deep respect for the traditions that have shaped Stephens since 1833.
Dr. Lundeen鈥檚 presidency ushers in an ambitious era centered on advancing women鈥檚 education through innovation, leadership development, and forward-thinking partnerships while remaining deeply rooted in the College鈥檚 historic mission and the enduring values of the Ten Ideals. In addition to its undergraduate women鈥檚 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.
鈥淔or nearly two centuries, 吃瓜网 has empowered bold women to lead, create, and transform their world,鈥� said Dr. Lundeen. 鈥淭ogether, we are accelerating into a future defined by innovation, inclusion, and impact, while drawing inspiration from the traditions that have made Stephens extraordinary.鈥�
Leadership Endorsement from the Board of Trustees
Vice Admiral Nancy Brown, Chair of the 吃瓜网 Board of Trustees, emphasized the national significance of Dr. Lundeen鈥檚 leadership:
鈥淒r. Shannon Lundeen is the right leader for this pivotal moment in Stephens鈥� history,鈥� said Brown. 鈥淗er visionary leadership, strategic insight, and deep commitment to women鈥檚 education position 吃瓜网 to thrive in a rapidly changing world 鈥� 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.鈥�
One early example of President Lundeen鈥檚 future-focused, innovation-driven leadership is the College鈥檚 acquisition of Nourish Caf茅 + Market, a beloved downtown Columbia restaurant known for its commitment to wellness, sustainability, and community. Under Dr. Lundeen鈥檚 vision, Nourish will serve as a hands-on learning spacefor students in business, marketing, communication, design, and health-related fields 鈥� expanding experiential learning while strengthening community partnerships. The initiative reflects Stephens鈥� tradition of preparing women for meaningful, real-world leadership through bold, forward-thinking approaches.
National Voice in Women鈥檚 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鈥檚 education and higher education innovation.
A Legacy of Empowerment, A Vision for What鈥檚 Next
吃瓜网 continues to revolutionize women鈥檚 education through dynamic programs in the arts, sciences, business, health, and emerging fields鈥攇uided by the enduring values of integrity, courage, respect, independence, and leadership. Under Dr. Lundeen鈥檚 leadership, the College is building upon those ideals to drive bold progress.
鈥淭oday鈥檚 Stephens students are creating new traditions while honoring those that have shaped generations,鈥� said Dr. Lundeen. 鈥淥ur direction is progressive, but it is authentically Stephens.鈥�
The inauguration will bring together students, alums, faculty, staff, trustees, community leaders, and national partners to celebrate both the College鈥檚 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 吃瓜网
Founded in 1833, 吃瓜网 is a leader in undergraduate women鈥檚 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聽.
