Open Searches

The Board of Trustees of Stephens College invites inquiries, applications, and nominations for the position of president. Current President Dianne Lynch has announced her retirement, having served the College since 2009. The new president will assume office on June 1, 2025.

Founded in 1833 with the goal to educate and inspire young women, Stephens College has evolved into an innovative, independent, and spirited institution with an education that is truly unparalleled and a rigorous, empowering culture that fosters leaders. Stephens is the second oldest women’s college in the country and is located in Columbia, Missouri – a vibrant college town nationally recognized for quality of life. Driven by a mission to Learn. Grow. Lead., the College is a dynamic institution known for its distinctive academic programs, strong sense of community, and commitment to preparing students for meaningful careers and lives. Students are heard, valued, and challenged as they grow to be the best they can be.

Stephens remains committed to its roots and creating groundbreaking opportunities for women, but in adapting to the changing needs of students and an ever-evolving society, in 1997, the College launched its first “co-educational” graduate program. Stephens has continued to expand its enrollment profile beyond its traditional undergraduate residential women’s college with the establishment of an all-gender Conservatory for the Performing Arts in 2022 and additional all-gender graduate programs.

In fall 2024, Stephens experienced a 60 percent increase in new undergraduate enrollment, the College’s largest incoming class in 10 years. Key priorities for the next president include advancement, fundraising, and friend-raising initiatives; building strategic partnerships with local institutions and community stakeholders; enhancing existing academic programs and innovating for the future.

To learn more about the College and the required and desired skills and experiences sought in the next president, please review the search profile.

Stephens College is being assisted by Academic Search. Applications should consist of a substantive cover letter and a curriculum vitae or resume. Applications and nominations can be submitted electronically, and in confidence, to StephensPresident@academicsearch.org. The position remains open until filled but only applications received by November 11, 2024, can be assured full consideration. Prospective candidates may arrange a confidential discussion with the search consultants (Dr. Margaret Venable or Maya Kirkhope) by sending a request to StephensPresident@academicsearch.org.

Stephens College adheres to all federal, state, and local civil rights laws prohibiting discrimination in employment and education. The College does not discriminate in its admissions practices (except as permitted by law), in its employment practices, or in its educational programs or activities on the basis of age, color, disability, gender expression and identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status and all other classifications protected by law. For a complete copy of Stephens College policy and resolution procedures or for more information, please visit www.stephens.edu/equity.

For additional information about Stephens College, visit www.stephens.edu.