Harry Stephens served a number of roles in his life, from Emporia State dean of students and vice president of student affairs to lawmaker to community servant. Those who know him also call him a mentor and servant leader.
Stephens passed away recently. After graduating from ESU, his time as a university administrator saw ESU develop the Student Recreation Center and Early Childhood Center. He remained active at Emporia State after his official retirement through his time with the ESU Foundation Board of Trustees and Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity, something Vice President for Advancement and Foundation President Shane Shivley says was certainly to the university’s benefit. Shivley called Stephens “a legend in our community and a legend on campus.”
Stephens also received one of the first two President’s Awards for the Common Good when that program was announced in 2016.
Stephens served a short period of time in the Kansas Legislature, replacing Jerry Karr in the 17th District Senate seat in 1999 before he was defeated in 2000 by Jim Barnett. Former lawmaker Don Hill says Stephens had all the attributes of a good lawmaker and leader, in part because of his time as Emporia State’s government affairs liaison.
Funeral arrangements and additional details are currently pending. Roberts-Blue-Barnett is handling arrangements.
