South Carolina State University has appointed Dr. Windy Ann Mack Stephenson, an SC State alumna, educator and Orangeburg native, as interim dean of the Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College.
Stephenson assumes leadership of the Honors College while continuing to serve as executive director of Academic and Scholarship Services.
She succeeds the late Dr. William H. Whitaker, who led the Honors College until his passing on June 3.
“I appreciate Dr. Stephenson’s willingness to serve in this interim role,” President Alexander Conyers said. “Her experience working with our honors students and scholarship programs positions the college to continue serving students without interruption.”
Stephenson’s appointment builds on her service to the university and more than two decades of experience spanning early childhood, K-12 and higher education as a teacher, literacy coach, administrator and adjunct professor. She has devoted her career to advancing educational excellence, student success and servant leadership.
Stephenson earned a Bachelor of Science in early childhood education from South Carolina State University, a Master of Arts in communication studies from Northern Illinois University, where she received the Rhoten A. Smith Assistantship, and a Ph.D. in education from Capella University with a specialization in professional studies in education. Her doctoral research focused on gifted education and educational leadership in rural South Carolina.
Stephenson holds certifications in early childhood education, literacy (PK-12), educational administration, gifted and talented education and literacy coaching. She is currently pursuing postdoctoral studies in higher education leadership.
Since joining the Honors College, Stephenson has led initiatives in scholarship administration, recruitment, enrollment management, student engagement and strategic planning. She has also helped build partnerships across the university and throughout the community.
“To serve in the Honors College at my beloved SC State is both a humbling and inspiring responsibility,” Stephenson said. “As a Loyal Daughter, I am committed to creating an environment where academic excellence and community engagement meet. I believe every scholar carries the potential to change the world, and it is my privilege to walk alongside them on that journey.”
As interim dean, Stephenson will oversee the college’s academic programs, scholarships, recruitment, student success initiatives and strategic priorities while advancing the college’s commitment to academic excellence, leadership, undergraduate research, innovation and community engagement.
The Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College provides high-achieving students with enhanced academic opportunities, undergraduate research, leadership development and community engagement experiences.
Stephenson’s leadership philosophy emphasizes collaboration, integrity, innovation and service to students.
Stephenson is a Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.; a Life Member of the South Carolina State University National Alumni Association; an A STATE Club member; and a Bulldog Champions Club member. She has also served as an elected board member for the Orangeburg High School for Health Professions Charter School and as an appointed member of the Orangeburg County Human Relations Council.
Stephenson is a devoted mother to her triplet teenage daughters, who she describes as the heartbeat of her life’s work. Guided by the belief that “you can count the seeds in an apple, but not the number of apples in a seed,” she remains committed to planting seeds of encouragement, opportunity, and excellence in every student she serves.
Her appointment reflects SC State’s continued commitment to maintaining continuity in the Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College while advancing its mission of academic excellence, student success and leadership development. As interim dean, she will build on the college’s tradition of preparing scholars to lead with purpose, integrity and service.
“I am honored to serve, to support, and to inspire our scholars as they reach for their highest potential,” Stephenson said. “Together, we will continue building a culture where excellence is expected, leadership is cultivated, and every scholar is empowered to fulfill their purpose. I’ll Defend and Honor, Love and Cherish Thee. Go Bulldogs!”