Preview
Award Date
2022
Major
Biology; Political Science
Award Description
Dr. Marsha A. Guenzler-Stevens, PhD. ’78 has spent her career in higher education. Her rich undergraduate career at Illinois Wesleyan University studying biology and political science was complemented by out-of-classroom learning as a student leader – from Student Senate, Model United Nations, orientation, AOII and the Panhellenic Association – and a federal work study job in the Dean of Students Office. These experiences launched Marsha’s passions and her academic and scholarly interests, as well as her career. With an undergraduate degree from IWU, a master’s in counseling and student personnel from Miami University, and a Ph.D. in higher education policy and planning from the University of Maryland, Marsha has crafted a career in higher education that spans over 40 years. She currently serves as the director of the Adele H. Stamp Student Union - Center for Campus Life. Marsha is also responsible for managing the University’s interface with 14 recognized chaplaincies and overseeing the University’s Memorial Chapel. Marsha is well known for her work on campus committees, and has been particularly active and passionate in serving the school’s veteran community. She has been recognized as the Outstanding Staff Member at the University of Maryland at College Park, won the institution's "Woman of the Year,” and has been recognized for her work in advancing diversity on campus. She was named by the University System of Maryland Board of Regents as the winner of the staff award for Extraordinary Public Service to the University and Greater Community, and named a “Woman of Influence” by AAUW, NASPA, and the National Conference of College Women Student Leaders. She teaches a freshman course, "The Student and the University," an upper-level “Women and Leadership” course, and a graduate seminar. Marsha speaks nationally on topics such as women’s leadership and organizational development, and has served and volunteered her time to a number of organizations. At IWU, Marsha has served as president of the Alumni Association and a member of the Board of Trustees. Marsha is married to Randy Stevens and is the proud daughter of two IWU graduates, the late Robert Guenzler ’53 and Mary Ann Hagmeyer Guenzler ’53, past IWU Loyalty Award winners. She shares Illinois Wesleyan memories with her sisters Susan (Guenzler) Getz ’77 and Pam (Guenzler) DeBoer ’82, brother-in-law Herb Getz ‘77 and niece Amy DeBoer ’15.