Elisa Stephens

Dr. Elisa Stephens became President of the Academy of Art University in 1992, the third generation Stephens to lead the university since its founding by her grandfather in 1929. Under her leadership, the Academy of Art University has become the largest private university of art and design in the United States, with over eleven thousand undergraduate and graduate students on a unique urban campus in downtown San Francisco. Dr. Stephens has pioneered the creation of online education programs in art and design, which have propelled the Academy of Art University to its premiere position in the digital education world.

Dr. Stephens, and the Academy of Art University faculty and students, embrace a socially responsible role within both the city of San Francisco and the world of art and design. Dr. Stephens actively supports a wide spectrum of community outreach programs, and makes it possible for students from the Academy of Art University to contribute their artistic efforts for maximum impact. Current projects include significant contributions to the St. Vincent de Paul Society’s “Discarded to Divine” fashion fundraiser, the DIFFA “Dining by Design” AIDS fundraiser and the senior low income housing Bethany Center 40th anniversary event, among many others.

Dr. Stephens acknowledges the importance of extending scholarships within the greater Bay Area community and beyond. To that goal, the Academy of Art University has numerous full degree scholarship programs benefiting San Francisco Police and Fire Departments; John O’Connell High School; and “Back on Track,” in partnership with District Attorney Kamala Harris. In addition, Dr. Stephens has significantly increased the Academy of Art University High School Scholarship Program, offering thousands of current high school students tuition free classes that count towards college credit.

Under Dr. Stephens’ leadership, the Academy of Art University has taken a prominent role in addressing environmental and sustainability issues. On campus, industry experts and professional faculty have created a dynamic curriculum focus across all 13 majors. The school’s transportation department is converting to bio-diesel buses. Academy of Art University, in partnership with San Francisco’s Department of the Environment, has pledged a 20% reduction in electrical usage, and is actively supporting San Francisco’s 4th Annual Anti Junk Mail Campaign. To bring awareness of recycling, biodiversity and sustainability issues, Academy of Art University students partnered with DeLoache Winery to create art that has been featured both in the U.S.A. and Europe.

Dr. Stephens is a member of the Young President's Organization, San Francisco City Club, Metropolitan Club, University Club, San Francisco Rotary Club, San Francisco Junior League, Nob Hill Association, Achievement Rewards for College Scientists (ARCS Foundation) and the Royal Society of Arts. She sits on the Board of Directors of the San Francisco Lyric Opera, and is a Trustee of Menlo College. She also recently completed a two-year term as President of the Nob Hill Association in January 2005.

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