Advisor of the Year

This award is given annually to an outstanding advisor nominated by their chapter for service, leadership, and dedication to Alpha Lambda Delta. Chapter advisors must be nominated by a chapter officer(s). Only one name per chapter may be submitted.

Please note that past winners of this award cannot be nominated again. Past winners are listed below.

2025-26 Advisor of the Year

Toni S. Stevens, Ph.D.
Spelman College

Toni S. Stevens, Ph.D., is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Literature, Media, and Writing at Spelman College. She also serves as a faculty fellow and instructor in the Ethel Waddell Githii Honors Program, a summer research mentor and faculty mentor for the UNCF Mellon and Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship programs, and an instructor for Spelman’s Pre-Health Summer Program and Early College Program. In addition to her work at Spelman, she works with several school districts, helping to strengthen their English and special education instruction. She is the faculty co-advisor for the Spelman ALD chapter and on the Board of Directors as a Professional Member-at-Large.

Dr. Stevens earned her Ph.D. in Humanities with a concentration in English from Clark Atlanta University. She also holds a Master of Science in Education in Special Education from Hunter College, a Bachelor of Arts in African American Studies from Columbia University, and an Associate in Science with High Honors in Journalism and Print Media from Kingsborough Community College.

At Spelman, Dr. Stevens contributes to several areas of institutional service. She serves on the Honors Committee and Writing Intensive Committee, evaluates student submissions for the Honors Program, and assesses First Year Writing portfolios for the Spelman College Comprehensive Writing Center. She has also served as a faculty teaching fellow through Spelman’s Teaching Resource and Research Center and as an Apple HBCU Faculty Fellow through the Propel Center.

Across her teaching, scholarship, advising, and leadership, Dr. Stevens is committed to creating educational spaces in which students can recognize their intellectual abilities, develop their voices, and grow as scholars and leaders. Her work brings together rigorous academic inquiry, purposeful mentorship, and a sustained investment in the success of students across educational contexts.

Quotes from student nomination:

“…she has helped revitalize the chapter and elevate its presence on campus in ways that have allowed it to flourish like never before. Through her leadership, dedication, and unwavering support, she has gone far beyond the expectations of an advisor and has become an invaluable mentor, advocate, and role model for our officers and members.”

“Dr. Stevens creates a safe and supportive environment where we feel comfortable seeking her advice. She pushes each officer to be the very best leader they can be while also encouraging us to become individuals who embody integrity, excellence, and professionalism.”

“Her enthusiasm, encouragement, organization, and genuine care for students have created a culture where members feel valued, supported, and inspired to succeed. What distinguishes her from a typical advisor is her willingness to consistently go above and beyond for both the chapter and its members. Her dedication has truly been instrumental in the growth and success of Alpha Lambda Delta at Spelman College.”

Past Advisors of the Year

Year Advisor Institution
2024-25 Lauren Huffman Kent State University
2023-24 Rasha Tawfik American University of Sharjah
2022-23 Idonas Hughes California State University, Monterey Bay
2021-22 Deborah Manzanares Baylor University
2020-21 Reatha Cox Northwestern State University
2020-21 Darrell Hairston North Carolina A&T State University
2019-20 Giselle Mansi High Point University
2018-19 Dr. Susan Melson Huffman Purdue University
2017-18 Dr. Daniel Bureau University of Memphis
2016-17 Tara Fischer Dickinson College
2015-16 Anthony Helms Western Michigan University
2014-15 Wendy Stankovich University of Wisconsin - Platteville
2013-14 Kevin Dougherty University of California - Los Angeles
2012-13 Lisa Ruch Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis
2011-12 Dr. Mike Nichols Transylvania University
2010-11 Dr. Marty Knepper Morningside College
2009-10 Alice Lanning University of Oklahoma
2008-09 Paula Stuettgen University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire
2007-08 Sandrea Williamson North Carolina A & T State University
2006-07 Danny Kelley American University
2005-06 Dr. Susan Groh University of Delaware
2004-05 Mary Knoll Montana State University
2003-04 Donna Fox George Mason University
2002-03 Beverly Kellen University of Alabama
2001-02 Dr. Dorothy M. Anderson Susquehanna University
2000-01 Darla Banfi University of Wisconsin - Platteville
1999-2000 Gale Richardson Texas Tech University
1998-99 Sue Henson Midwestern State University
1997-98 Dean Alice Kaylor Saint Vincent College
1996-97 Harrison Greenlaw University of South Carolina
1995-96 Dr. Herman (Butch) Hill Ohio University
1994-95 Dr. Mabel Freeman The Ohio State University
1993-94 Dr. Katheryne S. McDorman Texas Christian University
1992-93 Roger Morris University of Oregon
1991-92 Dr. Katherine Pedro Beardsley University of Maryland
1990-91 Elva Bougeois Louisiana State University