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Since assuming the presidency on July 1, 2022, Stephens has led administration, faculty and staff in a university-wide effort to improve policies, processes and procedures across all student populations—traditional undergraduate, bachelor’s degree completion, graduate and seminary—and all campuses to smooth the pathway for students to achieve their educational dreams. 

In his planning, Stephens has embraced the challenges and opportunities higher education faces nationally—fewer traditional college-age students and doubt about the importance or public benefit of higher education—and in FPU’s home, California’s Central Valley—deep-seated economic issues and low college graduation rates. Initiatives begun under his leadership have already resulted in increased enrollment in certain areas and retention.

Prior to joining FPU, Stephens held roles of increasing responsibility and leadership at Biola University, from admissions counselor to vice president of university admissions to vice president for student development, where he fostered student success through the offices of Housing and Residence Life, Student Care, Global Student Programs and Development, Commuter Life, Campus Engagement, the Student Health Center, the Learning Center and Student Government. Under his leadership, Biola saw 12 consecutive years of enrollment growth.