For Dr. Stephens, the journey to mass communications began with a calling to teach and a moment that forever reshaped her purpose. “I always knew I wanted to teach,” she recalls. But in 1999, tragedy struck when a shooting at her church claimed several lives. In the aftermath, Dr. Stephens found herself watching reporters tell the story of her community. “That moment showed me the power of communication,” she says. “Reporters weren’t just delivering news, they were giving voice to people’s pain, their hope, and their resilience.”
That experience inspired her to pursue a career in mass communications, one where she could blend her love for teaching with the power of storytelling. Today, she uses that same drive to teach students how to find and tell meaningful stories of their own. “I want to pull the skills out of my students,” she explains. “To be a bridge between the media and the community. Storytelling matters, and I want them to know how to do it effectively.”
Her teaching philosophy centers on one simple but powerful idea: no student left behind. Dr. Stephens believes that understanding how each student learns is key to reaching them all. “If you don’t know your students’ learning styles, you can’t truly teach them,” she says. By taking the time to understand each student’s unique approach, she ensures her lessons engage and connect with everyone in the room.
But for Dr. Stephens, teaching is more than lessons and lectures; it is about relationships. “What I love most is connecting with my students,” she says warmly. “They know they can trust me. I want them to feel seen, supported, and understood.” Her classroom is more than a place to learn. It is a space where students can grow, express themselves, and feel at home.
“What stands out about Dr. Stephens is her heart. She takes the time to connect with her students and makes the classroom feel like family. You can feel her passion every time she teaches,” said Taylon Rowell, a Junior Broadcast Journalism student.
Beyond her classroom, Dr. Stephens’ legacy is rooted in empowerment. Holding two Ph.D.’s and serving as the First Lady of her church, she strives to prepare young Black students to take their rightful place in media spaces. “We deserve seats at the table,” she says. “Our voices matter. I want my students to know they belong in every room, with the confidence to share their stories and perspectives.”
Dr. Stephens’ journey, shaped by resilience, purpose, and compassion, is a testament to the transformative power of education and storytelling. Through her guidance, countless students have found not just their voices, but the courage to use them.
“Dr. Stephens sets the standard for what it means to be a professional in the media,” expressed Stokley Sparks, a Junior Journalism major. “She leads by example, from how she carries herself to how she treats people. Watching her work makes you want to show up as your best self.”