A Leader’s Legacy

For someone who admits academic administration was never on her radar, Laura Stephenson was well suited for every role during her 39 years at Washburn, retiring this year after elevating herself to the top academic position at the school.

Stephenson has been a fervent advocate for the symbiotic relationship between student success and faculty support. In doing so, she’s not only shaped the future of education at Washburn but also touched lives far beyond the classroom walls.

Starting her legacy as an Ichabod, Stephenson came to Washburn in 1985 as an assistant professor of psychology. She served as department chair, associate dean and then dean of the College of Arts and Sciences before assuming the role of interim provost and vice president for academic affairs in 2022. With her permanent replacement now in place, she will serve as special assistant to the president until retiring at the end of May.

A Dedicated Leader

In Stephenson’s time at Washburn, she has overseen academic and faculty affairs of all academic units at Washburn. She has also been involved in several academic program expansions and creations, as well as the latest plan to transform the learning spaces at Washburn, a plan that will involve several buildings and academic programs. However, some of her most impactful work is what she did behind the scenes for Washburn’s valued faculty.

“I’m convinced you can’t have student success without strong faculty,” Stephenson said. “You become a faculty member because of the passion you have for your discipline, and it’s important for students to be exposed to that. In administrative roles, the most important thing you can do is support faculty.”

Stephenson has regularly taken the time to mentor and encourage faculty and staff members to grow as leaders. Kelly Erby, interim dean, College of Arts and Sciences, attributes her current career path to Stephenson’s encouragement.

“I would never have thought about being an administrator if it weren’t for Laura Stephenson,” Erby said. “She recognized that I have potential. I have found her to be incredibly supportive. She sees the best in you, and she helps you to feel confident to flex parts of your abilities you didn’t know you had.”

Matt Arterburn, associate dean, College of Arts and Sciences, worked closely with Stephenson in the deans office and attributes much of Stephenson’s success to her impressive work ethic.

“Laura is tireless in a way I can’t fathom,” Arterburn said. “She works incredibly hard, and she’s always looking at how to make things better – not for the sake of it, but because she can see how it will benefit people.”

Arterburn also noted that over the years, Stephenson helped obtain the resources faculty needed to make the biggest impact possible.

“She approaches budget management like solving a puzzle. She is skilled at moving pieces around to secure resources,” Arterburn said. “But it was never done just to hoard pennies. She did it to get more resources for faculty and keep faculty salaries competitive.”

Stephenson’s leadership qualities, strategic thinking, problem-solving skills and dedication to contributing to Washburn’s success are known by many. So, when the opportunity came to help lead the University at a global level, the obvious choice was Stephenson.

“I don’t think she was looking to have either position, but I think people saw she had abilities and skills and knew she could do those roles. To her credit, she stepped up and did them. I think she has left Washburn in a much stronger position,” Erby said.

For Stephenson, Washburn has been an inspiring place to work because of its traditions and commitment to access and student success.

“I would describe my time at Washburn as serendipity. I’m proud and honored to have been part of this institution,” Stephenson said. “But most importantly, all of the amazing people I’ve worked with along the way – students, faculty and staff – have shaped and inspired my life in wonderful ways. For me, Washburn is relationships.”

Ready for Her Second Act

Stephenson is eagerly anticipating the freedom that comes with retirement, especially the luxury of not being bound by a schedule.

“I am looking forward to not having to be as milestone-driven as you do earlier in your career,” Stephenson said. “But a big part of my decision to retire is because I think I have time for another act.”

As Stephenson put it, there’s no rush to decide what that next act might be. She’s excited to embrace life at a well-deserved, more leisurely pace. In the meantime, she eagerly anticipates exploring less-traveled paths, learning for learning’s sake and indulging in beloved activities – even those she’s not particularly skilled in.

“I have some ideas, but I’m going to take time to reflect on what’s next,” Stephenson said.

Stephenson resides in Lawrence, Kansas, as does her supportive partner Jim Miller, a retired University of Kansas computer science professor.