About the President
About President Jeffrey P. Stein
Dr. Jeff Stein was elected as Mary Baldwin’s 10th president in 2023, bringing more than 30 years of higher education expertise to the university in areas such as innovative strategic planning, access and equity, engaged learning, and campus-community partnerships. He describes working with students, faculty, and staff at Mary Baldwin as his dream job.
Dr. Stein spent two decades at Elon University in North Carolina, serving most recently as vice president for strategic initiatives and partnerships, and assistant professor of English. In that role, he led the development and implementation of the university’s 10-year strategic plan. Subsequent campus initiatives launched efforts to increase representational diversity; build support for diverse students, faculty, and staff; and enhance intercultural competencies.
A strong proponent for engaged and experiential learning, Stein oversaw Elon’s nationally-ranked student professional development center, leadership and professional development, professional and continuing studies, and cultural and special programs. His approach to engaged learning focuses on helping students articulate their skills, interests and experiences, and ensuring tangible outcomes for them after graduation.
Stein also served as chief of staff and secretary to the board of trustees for two Elon presidents, and as a student affairs dean. In the latter role, he spearheaded a campus-wide initiative to design a $150 million residential plan focused on integrating living and learning.
Leading through listening and collaboration, Stein builds consensus to help students, faculty, and staff thrive, to deepen the focus on students and learning, and to partner with local communities.
Elon President Emeritus Leo M. Lambert attested to Stein’s leadership, creativity, collaboration, and intense focus on student success.
“Dr. Stein combines these qualities with kindness, inclusiveness, empathy, and humor, and he was widely regarded as one of the most respected and trusted senior administrators at Elon,” Lambert said. “He is a gifted teacher, a sought-after mentor, and a builder of campus community.”
Stein earned a doctorate in higher education management from the University of Georgia, writing a dissertation on presidential roles in shaping campus culture and climate to ensure access and success for the broadest range of students.
In the classroom, he has taught writing, literature, and identity utilizing multiple engaged learning pedagogies. He earned an MFA in creative writing from Colorado State University, a master’s degree in English from the University of Northern Colorado, and a bachelor’s in English from Beloit College. He has published on governing boards, the residential campus, inclusive campuses, multifaith leadership, academic and student affairs partnerships, and service learning, as well as poems in national literary magazines.
Dr. Stein’s grandparents survived the Holocaust and Russian pogroms to make a new life in the United States, and his parents were the first in their family to attend college. He’s married to Chrissy Stein, and their children, Lena and Benny, are graduates of Carleton College and Wesleyan University, respectively.