Alana Nichole Stevenson, a proud native of Monroe, Louisiana, has made headlines in the academic world with her remarkable achievements. At just 25 years old, Alana accomplished what few can claim – earning a PhD in Urban Higher Education from Jackson State University and becoming the youngest to graduate from the program.
Alana’s journey to this remarkable achievement is marked by dedication, excellence, and a commitment to service. She is the daughter of Michael A. Stevenson, Sr. and JoLondra Arthur-Stevenson, with roots that trace back to Winnsboro, LA through her late maternal grandparents, Joe W. Arthur, Sr., and Katherine Arthur, and her late paternal grandparents, Rev. Charles A. Stevenson, Sr., and Mablean Caldwell Stevenson of Monroe, LA.
Alana’s academic prowess has been evident since her undergraduate years. She graduated from Southern University and A&M College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Rehabilitation, boasting a 3.87 GPA. Her thirst for knowledge led her to Louisiana State University, where she earned a Master of Business Administration with a perfect 4.0 GPA, and she was inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success.
Beyond her academic accolades, Alana’s commitment to leadership and community service shines brightly. She was initiated into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and served as the collegiate Chapter President for the Alpha Tau Chapter at Southern University Baton Rouge. Additionally, Alana was crowned as Miss Black and Gold for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated at the collegiate level, for the state of Louisiana and finally at the regional level. Her leadership also extended to the broader community, where she founded SkinCode Wax & Beauty Bar, a platform to empower young girls in Monroe through mentorship and skincare services.
Alana’s dedication to higher education and student success continued to flourish. She earned her PhD in Urban Higher Education from Jackson State University with an impressive 3.9 GPA, finishing in the top 2% of her Doctoral cohort. Her academic excellence secured her membership in the prestigious Mu Chapter of Alpha Epsilon Lambda National Graduate Honor Society.
Alana’s career has been equally remarkable. She was the youngest-ever Director of Career Development at the University of Louisiana Monroe. During her tenure at ULM, she received the 2023 Camile Currier Rising Profressional Award from her colleagues at Student Affairs. She was recognized in the civic arena by the Monroe Chamber of Commerce as 2023 Northeast Louisiana Top 20 Under 40.
Dr. Stevenson has now taken on the role of a full-time business instructor and program director for the Healthcare Management program at Bossier Parish Community College.
When asked about her future aspirations, Alana Stevenson expressed her commitment to serving her community and furthering her career in higher education, aiming to gain more experience as a researcher and administrator. She has already had research published in The Advances in Social Sciences Reasearch Journal.
Dr. Alana Nichole Stevenson’s journey is an inspiring testament to the power of determination, education, and a heart for service. She continues to break barriers, set new records, and inspire those around her. We look forward to witnessing her future successes and contributions to the world of higher education and beyond.
