Lincoln University Alumna Transforms Lives Through a Career in Education

Lincoln University alumna Rabekah Stewart '01 has been appointed as vice president for student success and engagment at Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri.

Growing up in Jefferson City, Rabekah D. Stewart experienced firsthand the power of education to transform lives. She has since spent more than 25 years expanding access and opportunity for students. Stewart has been named vice president for student success and engagement at Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri.

“I believe deeply in the transformative power of education,” Stewart said. “I look forward to partnering with the Stephens College community to create pathways for every student to succeed, belong and lead.”

A graduate of Lincoln University of Missouri, Stewart earned a bachelor’s degree in English and secondary education in 2001. Her academic preparation in communication and education reflects the kind of training Lincoln University provides to future educators, grounding them in the skills needed to lead classrooms and support student development. Those foundations would become central to her career in higher education leadership. She later earned a master’s degree in higher education administration and urban leadership from the University of Missouri–Kansas City and a doctorate in higher education leadership from Walden University.

Beginning with a foundation in teaching and communication, Stewart built a career dedicated to helping students thrive. Her progression from educator to higher education administrator demonstrates the versatility of a Lincoln University education and the opportunities it can create.

Most recently, she served as assistant vice president for student affairs at Missouri State University, where she led TRIO programs and student success initiatives focused on access, retention and closing achievement gaps. Throughout her career, Stewart has focused on initiatives that support student success, retention and engagement — priorities that align closely with Lincoln University's historic commitment to expanding educational opportunity.

At Stephens College, Stewart oversees college-wide strategies centered on student achievement, well-being, experiential learning, leadership and career pathways and engagement.

Stewart is a Diamond Life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and serves on regional and national boards focused on educational attainment and community impact. As a Lincoln University graduate, she joins a growing network of Blue Tiger alumni serving in leadership roles across education, business, government and nonprofit organizations.

Stewart’s appointment reflects both her dedication to student success and the impact Lincoln University graduates continue to have on educational institutions across the region. As she begins this new role, she carries forward a commitment to leadership, service and opportunity that has guided her career since her time at Lincoln.