Directory of Stephens Admissions Counselors
- International students, please contact Hannah Minturn.
- Adult students, please contact the
School of Graduate & Continuing Studies.
Stephens Admissions Staff
Chris Collier
Interim Dean of Enrollment
ccollier@stephens.edu
(800) 876-7207 ext. 4225
Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
Welcome to the Stephens College web site. I came to Stephens in September 2004. These past few years have been an amazing ride for me; traveling the states, meeting amazing high school students and their families, and helping young ladies follow their dreams. Few things are as rewarding as seeing the smiling faces of students and their families the day we move their things into the residence halls.
A little inside info: my colleagues believe I'm crazy! I love the great outdoors and can't think of anything better than taking a long walk in the woods or a slow float down a frozen river. That's right, winter float trips are the best! I have spent five days in the Grand Canyon on two separate occasions, and can't wait to go back. There is a special reward in carrying a pack on your back that contains all the essentials for survival. Fifty pounds of candy bars, ramen noodles, clean socks, a zero degree sleeping bag, foam pad, ibuprofen, etc. Then head out for a week; no shaving, no bathing and best yet, no cell phones. If you want to go along just let me know, the next hike is always just around the corner.
God has blessed me in so many ways. I have a lovely wife, Lydia, who puts up with all my crazy ideas. She even allowed me a few days to explore Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks in Wyoming. I did manage one bear encounter, but much to my disappointment it was at a safe distance. I have a wonderful son that keeps me on my toes. He loves to play sports, so we never have a problem enjoying each other’s company. And in June 2008 we welcomed a new baby girl into our family. She is perfectly beautiful and it is a joy learning how to care for a little one all over again. My family and friends also show their love and support in amazing ways.
Well, now you know me in a nut shell, and I would like to know more about you. I hope your path leads you through Columbia and that Stephens is a stop you make along the way. Who knows, maybe that stop will turn into four years. Take care and I'll talk to you soon.
Heather Martin
Assistant Director of Admissions
hmartin@stephens.edu
(800) 876-7207 ext. 4391
Transfer Student Counselor
Alabama, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Ohio, Wisconsin (all students)
Hello! Welcome to the Stephens College Admissions site. I graduated from Benedictine College with a B.A. in History. In my spare time I enjoy biking on the Katy Trail, visiting my favorite coffee shop, taking my dogs to the dog park and going with my dad to Cardinals baseball games.
I was born and raised in mid-Missouri. My mother is an alumna of Stephens College and loved every minute of her time here in the radio, TV, and film department. Currently my sister is attending SC and has found her niche in the Education department.
If you have never visited Columbia, MO, or Stephens College then you need to come and see what we have to offer. We have many different majors and a thriving student body active in clubs, internships and residence life. There are numerous stores, coffee shops, restaurants and activities to appease every individual in Columbia. Hence Stephens is in the perfect location, within walking distance to Downtown Columbia.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions you have in regard to Stephens' Academic Programs and/or the Admissions Process. I hope you take the time to see if Stephens is the right fit for you!
Thank you and I look forward to seeing you on campus.
“The road to happiness lies in two simple principles: find what it is that interests you and that you can do well, and when you find it put your whole soul into it - every bit of energy and ambition and natural ability you have.”-John D. Rockefeller III
Sarah Grainger
Admissions Counselor
sgrainger@stephens.edu
(800) 876-7207 ext. 4278
Kansas City area and Northern Missouri (zip codes 63400-63599, 64000-64199, 64400-64799 & 64900-64999)
Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska
Howdy! My name is Sarah Grainger and I joined the Admissions Staff in June 2008. I was born and raised in Littleton, Colorado. I am the youngest of four girls, so going to a women’s college was a natural transition for me. I was lucky enough to graduate from Stephens in May 2007 with my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Arts.
Stephens provides you with some of your best friends and experiences. I still remember sitting in my pj’s talking until two in the morning in the Roblee hallway my freshman year or when I got really homesick and my friends would not allow me to mope but instead took me to Shake’s for some ice cream. Soon I was so immersed with my friends I didn’t get homesick very often. I enjoyed every minute and I didn’t want to leave! So I decided to pursue my MBA and work at Stephens!
When I’m not at Stephens I love reading plays and novels, knitting, yoga, and playing with my animals. Did I mention how much I love animals? No? Well I have a dog named Hazel, and three cats Neko, Linen, and Scully. Oh and my boyfriend has a guinea pig. So there is a lot of playing to be done!
One thing I forgot to tell you is how much I love Columbia. You have to come and see Columbia to truly understand. It is such a great community with tons of local businesses and restaurants -- many are within walking distance of Stephens. So come and visit me here in Columbia and I’ll tell you even more about it.
And please feel free to contact me with any questions about Stephens!
Gabrielle Harrison
Admissions Counselor
GHarrison2577@stephens.edu
(800) 876-7207 ext. 4239
Missouri Southern (zip codes 63600-63999, 64800-64899, and 65400-65899)
Arkansas, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont
Hello! My name is Gabrielle Harrison, and I am an admissions counselor for Stephens College. I graduated from Stephens in 2004 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Fashion Design & Product Development.
I was a part of the Stephens College Community long before college. My mother and my aunt were both alumnae of Stephens College. My sister and I attended the Audrey Webb Child Study center for pre-school, and I learned to ride through the Summer Riding Camp. Those lessons stuck with me as I still show American Saddlebred horses as a hobby.
I am a native to Columbia, Missouri, and I truly enjoy the opportunities Columbia has to offer. It is a very energetic city, full of art, entertainment, and culture. There are local activities, and shopping for all ages. I enjoy spending my free time downtown, visiting with family and friends, riding, knitting, and enjoying my great dane, Barbee.
Stephens boasts a great mix of culture, education, and opportunity. I look forward to showing off our beautiful campus and sharing our success with you. There are so many great qualities Stephens, and Columbia, have to offer. From performing arts majors, to liberal arts roots, Stephens is the place where strong women grow stronger. I have been a part of Stephens’ history; I am thrilled to have the opportunity to make you a part of its future.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions! Best of luck!
Gabrielle
Xander Kennedy
Admissions Counselor
akennedy@stephens.edu
(800) 876-7207 ext. 4326
Central and North Missouri (zip codes 65000-65399)
D.C., Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania,S outh Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia
International Students and Military Addresses: AA, AE, AP
Dual Enrollment Students
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day presented me with a youthful quandary. On the one hand, I felt a natural affinity for the title character, as my name was also Alexander. But conversely, my days weren’t bad, and I believe I recognized early that the tale rather encouraged a pessimistic and self-pitying attitude. So I inverted it.
So many things are good and fun. Communicating with your feet on a soccer field with a group of international friends in the universal language is fun. Strapping what is basically an oversized rubber band to your ankles and leaping from a cable car suspended over a canyon is a rush. Watching actors breathe life into your words through a professional Los Angeles production of your original playis a blast. Feeling your unborn child kick inside from your wife is sublime. And, I believe, attending Stephens College would be an equally enjoyable experience ranking up there with the highlights of anyone’s life.
I am proud to be an admissions counselor here, helping students in their path to higher education. I am nothing if not a proponent of learning—learning often and learning well. At Truman State University I received Bachelor’s degrees in Theatre and English (Composition), with a minor in Spanish. At the University of Southern California I received a Master’s of Professional Writing. And during those times when I’ve not found myself in an official learning capacity, I still make every effort to end each day smarter than I began it. And now, I very much believe in the education that is imparted every year to the women who attend Stephens.
I did eventually make my peace with Judith Viorst’s literary take on my name, as I now even posses a pajama-clad, Alexander doll. It’s easy; she didn’t write anything about Xander having a bad day.
Hannah Minturn
Admissions Counselor
hminturn@stephens.edu
(800)876-7207 ext. 4241
St. Louis area (zip codes 63000-63399), Illinois
Hello, and welcome to the Stephens web site! I hope you are able to find what you’re looking for here and if you cannot seem to locate what you need, I would be more than happy to assist you in any way I can.
A little background on myself: My name is Hannah Minturn and I am a native of beautiful Columbia, MO, more affectionately referred to as BeauCoMO. I joined the freshman class at Truman State University in the fall of 2004. I spent my days at Truman State waiting tables as the server manager at a local restaurant, spending invaluable time with friends, studying in the library and truly relishing my four years as a professional learner. In May 2008, I received my Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a minor in Communications. After graduation, I moved back to my beloved BeauCoMO. It has been wonderful to be back in a town with such a wealth of opportunities – from live music and comedy shows to quirky boutiques and hole-in-the-wall coffee shops – Columbia truly has it all!
As a Columbia resident, you will become a part of the quintessential college town with its bustling downtown district just one block from our picturesque 86-acre campus. As a Stephens Woman, you will have the unique opportunity to become part of a learning environment that is dedicated to sending educated, successful and amazing women into the world. And finally, as a Stephens graduate you will join a supportive and strong alumnae network of more than 30,000 women across the world.
I joined the Admissions team here at Stephens in July 2009 and have had nothing but positive and promising experiences since my very first day. I am eager to help you with your selection of the perfect college, and I encourage you to come visit our beautiful campus and see what Stephens has to offer you. My own higher education experience is something I will always value, and I am delighted to have the opportunity to assist you with your college selection.
Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have, and I look forward to meeting you and helping you during this exciting time in your life!
