Americans celebrate Black History Month during February to honor the contributions of Black Americans. The month transpired from Carter G. Woodson’s idea of Negro History Week, which began in 1926. Black History Month has blossomed 50 years after Negro History Week was established, and today includes local parades, ceremonies and gatherings featuring the work of Black artists, entrepreneurs, politicians and pastors. This year, The Feather will be bringing you stories about local black leaders who have positively impacted Fresno and the Central Valley of California.
Dr. Andre Stephens steps onto the stage at Fresno Christian School’s 43rd Annual Commencement. He challenges the graduates to choose kindness, courage and character as they embark on the next step of their lives. These are values Stephens lives out through his professional career and personal life.
Stephens is the current president at Fresno Pacific University, continuing more than 30 years of service in Christian higher education. He stepped into the role two and a half years ago making students his top priority.
“Our work is for students, I believe our students are the heroes in the journey,” Stephens said. “We come alongside and help facilitate your growth and success.”
Faith shapes Stephen’s identity and style of leadership. His dad was a United Methodist preacher and would preach every Sunday. Unfortunately, his dad’s words fell short on the weekdays. Stephens describes his father as a very angry person. He was abusive and searched for fault in Stephens. Growing up in this atmosphere, Stephens believed in God but believed he was very angry, as a reflection of his father.
When he entered high school, started asking big questions like, “Who am I? Why am I here? What am I going to do? And whose God? You know, you kind of start to own your own faith, and it’s not just your parents.”
He continued to pursue his faith, moving on to college at Biola University, where he got his bachelor degree in communications with an emphasis in public relations. He attended California State University, Fullerton, to obtain a Master’s in Communications with an emphasis in Intercultural and Interpersonal Communication. Finally getting his Ph. D. at Claremont University in education with an emphasis in higher education administration/student affairs.
FPU has had a strong Valley connection since 1944, with Stephens becoming the 14th President of the University. His hiring came at a time with the school enrollment was in decline and many tough decisions were needed.
Because of Covid-19, student enrollment dropped from 4,000 to 3,000 and FPU was strongly impacted by the loss of income. As the previous head of student development at Biola University, his leadership and decision-making is exactly what FPU needed to find a way out of financial difficulties.
Stephens controversially replaced FPU’s leadership team, letting go of faculty and programs while making stark budget cuts to get the university back in the green. These executive decisions are the very reason that many believe Stephens is the right man for job.
FPU alumna and adjunct faculty Kori James continues to hope in the future of her former school.
“My experience at FPU will always hold deep respect for the impact of the teachers and programs which instilled in me a strong foundation carried into my professional career,” James said. “There is no reason that this school can not rise again to be a educational beacon in our Valley. I see the very hard decisions made to keep moving in the right decision and I respect Dr. Stephens for doing what others couldn’t.”
Throughout all of Stephens’ experiences in academia and leadership, his faith and friendships play a huge role. Jeremy Brown, the superintendent of Fresno Christian Schools, is an adjunct instructor at Fresno Pacific University as well as a friend of Stephens. He considers him a “brother in Christ.”
“André has a heart for the Kingdom!” Brown said. “When we first met, that’s how we connected, because of our mutual desire to see this generation impact this world.”I have watched André do the hard work of leadership, and do it with the love of Christ.”
In the years to come Stephens hopes FC students consider Fresno Pacifiic University a stronger consideration as they continue to improve the college campus and make students the number one priority.
To read more from The Feather, visit Black History Month Spotlight: Bishop Dewayne “JR” Coleman impacts various communities with ministries or Black History Month Spotlight: Bobby Griffin Jr. influences local music scene
