Enrollment rising at Columbia’s historic Stephens College

By Brian Hauswirth
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Undergraduate enrollment at Columbia’s Stephens College is projected to increase by more than eight percent this fall.

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A 2025 photo of new Stephens College president Dr. Shannon Lundeen was taken in the President’s house on-campus (photo courtesy of Stephens College associate vice president Sarah Salmons)

Stephens is the nation’s second-oldest women’s college. Overall enrollment is expected to rise by more than five percent compared to last year.

New Stephens College president Dr. Shannon Lundeen says Stephens is a place where students discover their voice, sharpen their vision and step into the world with purpose.

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Flowers surround the Stephens College sign in Columbia (August 2022 file photo courtesy of Stephens vice president Derrell Carter)

She emphasizes Stephens’ importance as a cultural and intellectual hub for the Columbia community. She also says Stephens has expanded coaching staff in soccer, volleyball softball and basketball.