GRINNELL, Iowa – Taunita Stephenson will join Grinnell College as Coordinator for Diversity and Achievement in Athletics/Assistant Coordinator of Facilities and Event Management.

She will begin her duties on Sept. 24.

Stephenson had spent the last nine months with the Player Engagement Department at the National Football League, a program that provides a 360-degree experience for athletes to use football as a catalyst to move through all phases of life successfully.

While serving in that position, Stephenson oversaw all social media aspects and assisted with department branding, marketing materials, newsletters and e-mail blasts. She also supported all program development initiatives such as the Rookie Symposium, Rookie Success Program and the NFL-Wharton Prep Leadership Program.

Stephenson earned her bachelor's degree from Delaware State University in 2009 and master's degree from the University of Central Florida University-DeVos Sports Business Management Master's Program.

During her time at Central Florida, Stephenson also worked with the Student-Athlete Services/KNIGHTS PRIDE program, which guided student-athletes in making responsible decisions, graduate and lead productive lives.

She also served as a graduate assistant at the National Consortium of Academics and Sport, was the Wellness and Recreation Center and Special Events assistant at Delaware State, served as an intern for the Greater Washington Sports Alliance and also worked for the Charlotte Bobcats of the National Basketball Association.

Stephenson is the daughter of Retired SMSgt Kevin E. Stephenson and Retired MSgt Priscilla L. Merritt, and has a brother, Khalid A. Stephenson, a senior at Delaware State. She lived all over the country growing up, but considers Upper Marlboro, Md., and the Washington D.C. area home.

“I'm pleased Taunita Stephenson will join Grinnell College and our department,” said Greg Wallace, Director of Athletics and Recreation at Grinnell. “Taunita's graduate degree from the University of Central Florida's DeVos Sport Business Management program in ethics, diversity, leadership and community service and her undergraduate degree from Delaware State University, an American historically black public university, have prepared her well to assume this very important position on our campus.  We are eagerly anticipating her arrival on campus.”
“I am excited to assume the position of Coordinator of Diversity and Inclusion/Assistant Coordinator of Facilities and Events at Grinnell College,” said Stephenson. “Grinnell's academic and athletic reputations are well known.  Additionally, the College's commitment to students and diversity is truly groundbreaking. I am looking forward to working with the students, the athletic department and the rest of the Grinnell College community to continue to build upon this tradition of excellence.

“I have been involved in the realm of athletics for over five years with experience in events, operations, programming, athlete/leadership development and relationship building,” she added. “I am passionate about developing student-athletes, assisting them achieve their goals and obtaining leadership skills while being an asset to their school and community. Grinnell College stands out as a Division III institution that sets the standard to remain competitive while achieving growth in academic and athletic excellence.”