Biography:

Dr. Stephens earned a Doctoral of Health Administration at Central Michigan University’s School of Health Sciences, a Masters in Health Administration at Indiana University’s School of Medicine, and a Bachelor of Science Administration at Indiana University’s School of Business. He is a fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE).

He has held senior executive positions in large hospital/medical centers and health systems for 25 years, with 18 years at the President and CEO level. Before joining the Georgia Southern University faculty, he held faculty/staff positions at the University of Kentucky, Ohio University, University of Indianapolis, and Butler University.

Dr. Stephens has served on many healthcare and civic organizational governing boards to include the Kentucky and Indiana Hospital Associations, Chamber of Commerce, United Way, Boy Scouts, and the International Rotary Club.

He has been awarded Excellence in Service at Ohio University, Sagamore of the Wabash (highest award from the Governor of Indiana), Kentucky Colonel (highest award from the Governor of Kentucky), Indiana Governor’s Award for Volunteerism, Indiana University Alumni Association President’s Award, Lincoln Trail Red Cross Award, and Equal Opportunity Award of Merit by the Urban League. He is also a Paul Harris Fellow in International Rotary. He and his wife have been recognized as Special Donators by International Rotary for their contribution to the Polio-Plus Program.

Dr. Stephens’ interests include rural healthcare systems, disparity issues in rural communities, CEO leadership development and succession planning, healthcare governance, strategic planning, and new healthcare delivery models.

Currently, Dr. Stephens is Assistant Professor, Distinguished Fellow in Healthcare Leadership, and Program Director for the Master of Healthcare Administration within the Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health at Georgia Southern University. He teaches doctoral and master’s courses to include Healthcare Finance, Healthcare Economics, Leadership, Strategic Planning and Marketing, and Communication in Healthcare Organizations. He is a member of several college and university committees.

Dr. Stephens is married to Mary Linda, for almost 34 years, and the father of three grown sons. His personal interests include football, basketball, fishing, art, and classical music.