Michael Stephenson

age: 28 | Coordinator of Student Life | Texas A&M University – Texarkana

Institutions of higher education bolster local economies, empower citizens, and enrich communities. But in order for these schools to succeed, their students must succeed. At TAMU-T, that’s where Michael Stephenson comes in.

“Did you know that 30% of first- year college students drop out? That is why positions like mine exist,” Michael said. “We facilitate activities, programs, and events that foster campus engagement and community. Statistically, students that are more connected to their campus are more likely to graduate. Our efforts facilitate student development in various ways including new student orientation, student organizations, Greek life, and volunteerism.”

A Texarkana transplant, Michael garnered much of his fund-raising and organizing experience at his alma mater, Northwestern State University, where he worked under the Director of Student Activities and devoted countless hours to his favorite national nonprofit, St. Jude. “While I was an undergraduate student, I focused my co-curricular efforts on collegiate fund-raising for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,” Michael said. “Throughout my tenure, I assisted the university in raising over $100,000 for the kids of St. Jude. In addition, I was awarded the Danny Thomas Leadership Scholarship, awarded to only one undergraduate student for their dedication to the mission of St. Jude. All of this cumulated to an internship opportunity where I was given the opportunity to fund-raise on a national level and helped with three Dream Home giveaways.” 

Best advice you’ve ever received:

“WE LIVE IN A WORLD IN WHICH WE NEED TO SHARE RESPONSIBILITY. IT IS EASY TO SAY, ‘IT’S NOT MY CHILD, NOT MY COMMUNITY, NOT MY WORLD, NOT MY PROB- LEM.’ THEN THERE ARE THOSE WHO SEE THE NEED AND RESPOND. I CONSIDER THOSE PEOPLE MY HEROES.” – MR. ROGERS

These experiences and others prepared him well for his current position. In 2016, he was charged with overhauling the university’s community service programming. His team decided to bring “The Big Event,” a nationwide community service event, to Texarkana, and in April of 2018, the one-day event “boasted nearly 300 volunteers that performed over 1,000 community service hours,” benefitting 25 different local nonprofit organizations. “Being the lead staff member spearheading this event has been my greatest professional accomplishment because it has given me the opportunity to leave my mark at TAMU-T,” Michael said.

Married to Chase, Michael enjoys traveling, shopping at flea markets, antique shops, and garage sales, and renovating or building something at home. In addition to his work at the university, Michael also serves on the board of the Friends of the Texarkana Parks and is a member of Texarkana Young Professionals.

Name something about you that very few people know:
“I like candles (a lot). Some people may consider it an addiction. My candle closet inventory is probably around 50 or more. I just enjoy offering my house guests a diverse experience depending on what room they’re in. I call it southern hospitality.”

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I like candles (a lot). Some people may consider it an addiction. My candle closet inventory is probably around 50 or more. I just enjoy offering my house guests a diverse experience depending on what room they’re in. I call it southern hospitality.”