Parkland’s vice president awarded ATHENA Young Professional Award

Nominees are evaluated by a Selection Committee based on established criteria that assess the character and leadership qualities of the nominated young woman.

Chambana TodayCanvaProBecause of all of these astounding accomplishments, and all of her hard work, she's successfully earned the 2024 ATHENA Young Professional award.

CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – Parkland College‘s vice president Dr. Stephanie Stuart has been awarded the 2024 ATHENA Young Professional Award from the Executive Club of Champaign County.

Stuart is the vice president for strategic partnerships and workforce innovation as well as Parkland College’s chief communications officer. The ATHENA Young Professional Award recognizes female leaders younger than 40. The nominees are voted upon by a Selection Committee through set criteria that measures the character and leadership of the chosen young woman.

The criteria for the award are as follows:

Demonstrates excellence, creativity and initiative in her business or profession
Provides valuable service to improve the quality of life for others in her community
Clearly serves as a role model for young women both personally and professionally

Stuart graduated from the University of Illinois with a BS in Journalism, an MS in Strategic Brand Communication, and her Doctorate in Education with a specialization in Community College Leadership from Ferris State University in 2024. She began as a director of communications and community relations for the Champaign Unit 4 School District. Stuart then got her start at Parkland College in 2017 as director of marketing and public relations and was quickly promoted to vice president for communications in 2018. She then had her title updated to encompass strategic partnerships and workforce development.

Stuart oversees a variety of areas including public relations, entrepreneurships, and government relations. She was also named to Central Illinois Business Magazine‘s Forty Under 40 in 2014, board chair for the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation, and is a part of Metropolitan Intergovernmental Council, Champaign County First, and the United Way of Champaign County Board of Directors.