Biography, Disciplines and Teaching Interests
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 in Business Administration at Indiana University’s School of Business. He was a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) and is Board Certified.
He held senior executive positions in large 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 University of Kentucky, Ohio University, University of Indianapolis, and Butler University.
Dr. Stephens 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 was awarded Excellence in Teaching at Georgia Southern University, Excellence in Service Award 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 was also a Paul Harris Fellow in International Rotary. He and his wife have been recognized as Special Donations by International Rotary for their contribution to the Polio-Plus Program.
Dr. Stephens’ interests included healthcare systems, disparity issues in urban/rural communities, CEO leadership development and succession planning, healthcare governance, strategic planning, and new healthcare delivery models.
Dr. Stephens was an Associate Professor and Distinguished Fellow in Healthcare Leadership and the Director for the Master of Healthcare Administration Program within the Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health at Georgia Southern University. He taught only doctoral and master’s courses to include Healthcare Finance, Healthcare Economics, Leadership and Strategic Planning, and Communication in Healthcare Organizations.
Dr. Stephens published many articles, book chapters and case studies in additional to national and international academic presentations.
Disciplines: Health Policy and Management
Teaching Interests: Leadership, Strategic Planning, Health Economics and Finance