COVER | story
“MY SERVICE IS MY SCHOLARSHIP,” says scientist Adrienne Stephenson by Heather Fuselier, special to the Tallahassee Democrat, Tallahassee, Florida Reprinted with permission
Books” to support the creation of culturally diverse libraries in Title I classrooms, so that all children can see themselves in the books they read.
“Service is my love language.” For her outstanding service and
mentorship, Stephenson was awarded the Florida Commission on the Status of Women Spirit of Community Award, Excellence in Teaching and Undergraduate Advising Mentoring Award and Partner with a Purpose Award from FSU, and the Tallahassee Barrister Community Mentor Award. She lifts while she climbs and currently serves in various capacities as a member of the Tallahassee Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., P.E.O. Chapter GR, and board member of the Tallahassee Scientific Society. As Assistant Dean in the FSU Graduate School, Stephenson, assists graduate students with applying for fellowships and awards to support their graduate education, supports graduate enrollment of African American and Hispanic students pursuing advanced degrees, and educates undergraduate students about graduate school as an option. As a first-generation college graduate, she knows the value of hard work and perseverance. She recalls the influence of her fifth grade teacher, Betty Chase, who instilled in her a value of community, discipline, structure through her high
“The abi l ity to explore and l ive outside of the box, to stretch what we think things are, that is ‘why science’ for me,” Dr. Adrienne Stephenson says with energy in her voice. It’s also the “why” behind her more than 17-year commitment to STEM education, service in the community, and her role as mentor and advocate at all levels of education. From elementary classrooms to graduate students, Stephenson’s hands-on approach to mentorship means that everyone taps into their potential. “My service is my scholarship,” she explains. Her layered approach to staying active in STEM while serving others and contributing to Tallahassee’s culture of care are a few of the reasons why Stephenson is one of 25 Women You Need to Know. “You never really unplug from something you love,” she says when describing a recent trip to the grocery store to load up on supplies for a virtual STEM series called STEMing in the Kitchen, a collaborative effort of nonprofit, Changing Faces Inc. and the Tallahassee Chapter of the Links. Her enthusiasm for connecting students with science spills into every conversation. “We have kids from all over the country logging in to learn about health and nutrition education, fitness, and science through cooking,” she explains. In the wake of COVID-19, she partnered with long-time friend Dr. Darice Richard to distribute face masks to Title I schools in Leon county as a way to provide an extra layer of safety to students as they returned to the classroom. The Mask 4 Class Tally initiative with the help of the Tallahassee community donated over 15,000 masks throughout Tallahassee’s schools, homeless
shelters, assisted living facilities, and several community programs. “You never have to reach far in Tallahassee to get things done,” she says. Stephenson may not have to reach far, but she reaches out often. As co-lead of the Annual International Day of Women and Girls in Science event hosted by FAMU, FSU, and TCC, the Assistant Dean of The Graduate School for Florida State University works to change perceptions of what a scientist looks like. She earned a doctorate in Neuropharmacology and Toxicology from Florida A&M University after attending Lincoln University in Pennsylvania and growing up in Washington, DC. “Tallahassee is a very different place but I would not want to do this work anywhere else. Although I’ve been in Tallahassee for almost 20 years, I am now discovering the beauty of Tallahassee through walking. Hitting the pavement weekly has taken me to a number of greenways and parks that I had no idea existed. I have explored eateries and other hidden gems downtown.”
HER MOTTO IS, “I have been given this mountain to show others it can be moved.”
expectations, and a love for learning. “This week, I will have the honor of participating in conferring graduate degrees to several graduate students that I have mentored throughout their academic career at FSU. This means the world to me!” Stephenson’s wrap-around approach to inspiring service and scholarship at all levels of education is a gift to Tallahassee that everyone can enjoy.
Whether she is pushing or pulling, Stephenson makes sure everyone has a chance to see themselves represented in the area of study that interests them. STEM initiative, Conversations with Kids and STEMineers exposes youth to STEM professionals in robotics, chemistry, engineering, game design, neuroscience, marine science, bat science and more. She, along with several student organizations from FAMU and FSU, the FAMU HBCU-UP Program and several community partners coordinated a book drive called “I See Myself in
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THE P.E.O. RECORD | March–April 2022
Women helping women reach for the stars
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