University of Tulsa English Professor named new director of Auburn's Honors College

Following a national search, Auburn University has named Laura M. Stevens, the Roxanna McFarlin Chapman Professor of English at the University of Tulsa as the institution’s next director of the Honors College, effective July 15.

Stevens, a distinguished scholar and administrator, brings more than 25 years of experience to the role. Her previous positions include directing Tulsa’s Undergraduate Research Challenge, an innovative program that promotes student research, scholarly and creative projects in collaboration with faculty mentors and serving as chair of the institution’s Department of English and Creative Writing. A respected scholar in British and American literature, Stevens has held presidencies in the Society of Early Americanists and the South-Central Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies and is a former editor of the "Tulsa Studies in Women’s Literature" journal.

“In addition to her scholarly background and leadership experience, Dr. Stevens’ dedication to honors education perfectly aligns with the mission and aspirations of Auburn’s Honors College,” said Provost Vini Nathan. “Her ability to bridge undergraduate research and creative scholarship with student-based initiatives aligns with our goal of providing exceptional student experiences and becoming a pipeline for the next generation of leaders.”

As director of the Tulsa Undergraduate Research Challenge, Stevens worked with faculty across Tulsa’s campus to strengthen its undergraduate research culture by creating innovative mentorship programs and establishing new interdisciplinary initiatives. In addition to securing funding, Stevens helped construct comprehensive research frameworks designed to provide high-achieving students with greater access to scholarly opportunities. Her emphasis on student leadership, collaborative scholarship and professional development expanded the university’s community engagement and increased student research opportunities — a vision she hopes to carry forward at Auburn.

“I am honored and thrilled to be selected as the next director of Auburn University’s Honors College,” said Stevens. “As an alumna of an honors program with an interdisciplinary focus and communal ethos, I have always been enthusiastic about the possibilities that an honors college offers — not only to intensify and elevate the education of the students in the college, but also to foster connections and intellectual exchanges across the entire university.”

As the author of two books and numerous articles, essays and book chapters, Stevens has given over 40 presentations and invited talks and has received more than $150,000 in grants and awards. She is also the co-founder and co-director of The Second Book Institute, a program assisting mid-career scholars in book-related fields, managed by the University of Tulsa’s Henneke Center for Academic Fulfillment.

In addition to expanding Tulsa’s undergraduate research efforts, Stevens has also gained international recognition for her work with The PSIG Project, an initiative to locate, identify and honor students who attended the Presbyterian School for Indian Girls (Tulsa’s originating institution). Collaborating with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Historic and Cultural Preservation Department, Stevens’ efforts to promote inclusivity among the region’s Indigenous students and communities have allowed her to serve on various editorial boards and establish numerous advocacy programs.

As the director of Auburn’s Honors College, Stevens will oversee the unit’s programs and staff that support over 2,000 students, including its advanced curriculum and prestigious scholars. By collaborating with various departments across campus, Stevens will continue to promote the college’s objectives of fostering intellectual growth and encouraging active student participation while continuing to expand the college’s academic and research goals.

“I am eager to contribute to Auburn’s community and work with students, faculty, administrators and staff across the campus to advance the Auburn Honors College experience,” said Stevens.

Stevens holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and the honors program from Villanova University and earned a master’s and a doctorate in English from the University of Michigan.